Polymer Optical Fiber: Development of Nanoparticle-Functionalized Fibers for Sensor Applications

This master's internship focuses on the highly innovative field of Polymer Optical Fibers (POFs), leveraging next-generation materials like ZEONEX. The core challenge is to exploit the unique properties of novel, patented temperature-sensitive nanoparticles developed by the CNRS (LLC lab, Toulouse), which exhibit a rapid change in volume and refractive index linked to a spin-state transition. The intern will join a dynamic international team involving XLIM (Limoges) for fiber fabrication and characterization, and the University of Limerick (Ireland) for advanced multiphysics modeling. The goal is to functionalize the POF by integrating these nanoparticles to create smart optical devices—such as highly sensitive thermal sensors, optical switches, or configurable selectors—whose functionality is controlled by the surrounding temperature. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining material science, optical physics, advanced modeling (including AI optimization for complex systems), and experimental validation. The work will be split between the two labs (Limoges and Limerick), offering exceptional professional exposure and a direct pathway to a Ph.D. position.

This interdisciplinary internship focuses on developing next-generation Polymer Optical Fibers (POF) using an advanced polymer, ZEONEX. The core objective is the functionalization of these fibers with unique temperature-sensitive nanoparticles developed by the LLC laboratory. The project involves advanced multiphysics modeling (including AI-based optimization) to design the fiber structure, followed by fabrication and comprehensive optical/thermal characterization. This research aims to create novel fiber optic sensors, thermal switches, or optical selectors whose function is directly and rapidly controlled by temperature. The successful outcome may lead to a Ph.D. opportunity, with a guaranteed partial scholarship already secured.

The main objective is to establish the feasibility of nanoparticle-functionalized polymer optical fibers for sensing applications. Specifically, the intern will first model and design the optimal fiber structure, incorporating the unique thermal properties of the LLC nanoparticles, using advanced multiphysics methods. This theoretical work will be validated through the fabrication of test fibers at XLIM, both with and without the nanoparticles. The fibers will then undergo detailed optical and thermal characterization. Finally, the experimental results will be used to refine the predictive model, establishing the core scientific link between fiber design and temperature-dependent functionality.