Prof. Christian-Alexander Bunge works in the Institute for Communications Technology at University of Applied Sciences Leipzig (HfTL), on microstructured and solid polymer fibers, in optical, acoustic, magnet, and mechanical sensor technologies and optical communications. HfTL specialises in ICT and is organised in cooperation with Deutsche Telekom AG.Mr Markus Beckers works in the ITA. RWTH Aachen is ranked no. 1 University for technology in Germany and ITA is in a top international position in polymer fibre production and application research. It specialises in process upscaling and product development close to market.Thomas Gries is Professor and Director of the Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University, Germany. His achievements are commendable, and his contributions to the field of textile technology and fibre based composites have had a profound impact. Furthermore, his leadership in transforming the Institut für Textiltechnik into a comprehensive provider of textile innovation, digitalisation and sustainability initiatives underscores his dedication to pushing the boundaries of textile technology. His involvement in textile recycling, decarbonisation, biotransformation and efforts to enhance energy and material efficiency further solidifies his status as an undisputed leader in the field.

Contact e-mail: thomas.gries@ita.rwth-aachen.de

1. Introduction - why we made this book

2. Basics of light guidance

3. Basic principles of optical fibres

4. Special fibres and components

5. Materials, chemical properties and analysis

6. Fabrication techniques for polymer optical fibres

7. Mechanical properties of polymer-optical fibres

8. Polymer-optical fibres for data transmission

9. Applications of polymer-optical fibres in sensor technology, lighting and further applications

10. Polymer-optical fibre (POF) integration into textile fabric structures

11. Overview of the POF market