Open AccessPOF-yarn weaves: controlling the light out-coupling of wearable phototherapy devices
Author(s) -
Brit M. Quandt,
M. Pfister,
Jörn Felix Lübben,
Fabrizio Spano,
G.L. Bona,
Luciano F. Boesel
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
biomedical optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.362
H-Index - 86
ISSN - 2156-7085
DOI - 10.1364/boe.8.004316
Subject(s) - materials science , yarn , textile , wearable computer , clothing , homogeneous , coupling (piping) , optical fiber , optoelectronics , optics , computer science , composite material , telecommunications , physics , archaeology , history , embedded system , thermodynamics
Neonatal jaundice (hyperbilirubinaemia) is common in neonates and, often, intensive blue-light phototherapy is required to prevent long-term effects. A photonic textile can overcome three major incubator-related concerns: Insulation of the neonate, human contact, and usage restraints. This paper describes the development of a homogeneous luminous textile from polymer optical fibres to use as a wearable, long-term phototherapy device. The bend out-coupling of light from the POFs was related to the weave production, e.g. weave pattern and yarn densities. Comfort, determined by friction against a skin model and breathability, was investigated additionally. Our textile is the first example of phototherapeutic clothing that is produced sans post-processing allowing for faster commercial production.