These optical fibers transmit light over relatively long distances while minimizing energy loss. Several applications use chalcogenide-based optical fiber technology:
- Lasers that emit in the mid-infrared range, such as Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCL), can use them to obtain a fibered output cable.
- These optical fibers are also used in optical sensors manufactured for various applications, such as gas or temperature detection.
- Applications in the security field also require an optical fiber offering transmission of wavelengths in the mid-infrared range, such as detection and surveillance systems, thermal cameras, etc.
- Many emerging applications in chemical and biological molecule detection and identification, due to the extremely high sensitivity of molecular signatures in the mid-infrared range.
With technological advancements, chalcogenide glass-based optical fiber is becoming an increasingly sought-after fiber for various passive and active applications.