Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of forming a fiber optic core, and a fiber optic component with a highly uniform cladding covering the fiber optic core. In one microfabrication process a first sacrificial tubing is provided which has a predetermined inner diameter. A quantity of a curable polymer is also provided. The first sacrificial tubing is at least partially filled with the curable polymer. The curable polymer is then cured. The first sacrificial tubing is then removed to produce a finished fiber optic core. Additional operations may be performed by which the fiber optic core is placed inside a thermoplastic tubing, which is itself placed inside a sacrificial heat shrink. Heat is applied to reflow the thermoplastic tubing around the fiber optic core, thus forming a highly uniform thickness cladding. When the sacrificial heat shrink tubing is removed a finished fiber optic component is present.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of forming a fiber optic core, and a fiber optic component with a highly uniform cladding covering the fiber optic core. In one microfabrication process a first sacrificial tubing is provided which has a predetermined inner diameter. A quantity of a curable polymer is also provided. The first sacrificial tubing is at least partially filled with the curable polymer. The curable polymer is then cured. The first sacrificial tubing is then removed to produce a finished fiber optic core. Additional operations may be performed by which the fiber optic core is placed inside a thermoplastic tubing, which is itself placed inside a sacrificial heat shrink. Heat is applied to reflow the thermoplastic tubing around the fiber optic core, thus forming a highly uniform thickness cladding. When the sacrificial heat shrink tubing is removed a finished fiber optic component is present.