Passive optical waveguiding organic rectangular tubes: tube cutting, controlling light propagation distance and multiple optical out-puts

Abstract

We propose a technique to precisely control the longitudinal dimension of self-assembled organic nanotubes to obtain tailor-made lengths using laser ablation or cutting. Since these organic nanotubes show passive optical waveguiding tendency, the presented cutting technique is quite useful to exactly control the light propagation distance and to create multiple optical outputs. The guiding efficiency of a tube is dependent on its wall thickness, lengths and defect density. A tube not in contact with the substrate also guides the optical wave indicating its true waveguiding nature.