KU researchers have 3D-printed an optical fiber that simultaneously measures temperature and UV radiation by embedding responsive powders into a custom polymer
Tune in: KU鈥檚 dual-sensing fiber breakthrough
Researchers at Khalifa University have used 3D printing to create an optical fiber that can sense both heat and ultraviolet light 鈥� two important environmental factors that often require separate devices.听
Dileep Chekkaramkodi, Dr. Israr Ahmed, Prof. Rashid Abu Al-Rub, Dr. Andreas Schiffer and Prof. Haider Butt published their work in . Conventional UV and temperature sensors are often electronic and can be bulky, expensive, or prone to interference. The team鈥檚 3D-printed fiber is lightweight, flexible, immune to electromagnetic noise, and can be tailored to different applications just by tweaking the materials or print design.听
Using digital light processing 3D printing, the team embedded thermochromic and UV-sensitive powders into a custom photocurable polymer blend. This combination enables the fiber to change its light transmission and reflection characteristics in response to environmental changes.听
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鈥溾��3D printing can merge different sensing materials into one optical fiber, creating a simple yet powerful tool for monitoring temperature and UV light exposure at the same time.鈥�
鈥� Professor Haidar Butt, Khalifa University.
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By adjusting the fiber鈥檚 orientation during printing 鈥� either horizontal or vertical 鈥� the researchers could tune the balance between transmitted and reflected light. Vertical fibers tended to reflect more light, while horizontal ones transmitted more, due to differences in how printed layers interact with light. The strongest dual-sensing performance came from vertically printed fibers where the UV-sensitive section was positioned toward the incoming light.
Temperature and UV radiation affect everything from industrial equipment to human health. Prolonged UV exposure can damage skin, degrade plastics, and alter chemical reactions. Heat changes can disrupt electronics, weaken materials, and compromise safety. Having a single, low-cost sensor that monitors both at once could simplify monitoring systems, cut costs, and work in places where traditional electronics fail, such as in strong electromagnetic fields or harsh outdoor conditions.
Jade Sterling
Science Writer
