Ultrahigh-resolution fiber-optic image guides derived from microstructured polymer optical fiber preforms.

Ultrahigh-resolution fiber-optic image guides--fused image fiber, faceplate, and taper--were fabricated by using microstructured polymer optical fiber (MPOF) preforms composed of two polymers: polymethylmethacrylate and polystyrene. The pixel diameter in the resultant MPOF-based image guides was as small as 3 microm. The imaging capabilities of these types of fiber-optic elements were demonstrated.