
Fused silica capillary tubing is increasingly finding use in wave guiding applications. … Fused silica capillary tubing in its normal construct is a hollow silica tube with a polymer coating applied to the outer surface.
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Fused Silica Capillary Tubing is used for micro-fluidics applications and in gas chromatography separation columns. These capillaries are coated with polyimide for mechanical stability and versatile uses
Fused silica capillary tubing in its normal construct is a hollow silica tube with a polymer coating applied to the outer surface. The primary coating function is to offer abrasion resistance during use. However, the coating material properties as well as the unique radial composition of the glass itself can result in capillary that will act as both a traditional fluid conduit and a light propagating wave guide. These are referred to as light guiding capillary.
Any low refractive index (RI) layer, such as fluorine doped silica or a fluorinated organic polymer, applied over a pure fused silica tube will result in a light guiding capillary wave guide. Light guiding capillary with a doped silica cladding has been discussed previously (1). Common low RI polymers coatings for capillary have been reviewed (2). The light guiding optics of these capillary is discussed.

