Textile optical fibre characteristics

The principle developed here is to integer multiple optical fibre loops and curves within a thin textile substrate, the light being released by macrobendings, as illustrated in Fig. 4.12. With embroidery, the patterns described by the fibres (curves, loops, zigzags etc.) and the substrates (textile, membrane, paper etc.) to which they are stitched define the characteristics of the light emitted by the whole fabric. 

Several technologies able to be used for the development of communicative textile devices have been presented. Some of them are already used for the development of textile displays. Their emission of reflective characteristics allow their use for different types of applications. Emissive devices such as luminescent stmctures or optical fibres are preferred for high-visibility outfits for personal safety, for art and fashion design or for advertising events. Reflective devices offer a softer, more discreet colour change, which could preferentially be used for everyday applications such as communicative clothes, home furnishings or fashion. 

---