Modelling of Light Emission in Tapes Woven with Polymer Optical Fibres

For the treatment of dermatologic diseases such as actinic keratosis with photodynamic therapy (PDT), a light emitting fabric (LEF) is developed. The light emission of the LEF should be as homogenous as possible to assure a successful and pain-reduced treatment. The considered LEFs are tapes, that are woven with polymer optical fibres (POFs). The light emission varies for different weaves. A prediction of the light emission by modelling and simulation is expected to give insight in the processes and help with the investigation of finding a tape with the most homogenous light emission. In this paper, a modelling procedure is presented, with which the light emission can be regarded based especially on the weave type and setting. The modelling procedure incorporates weaving simulations as well as ray tracing simulations. To discuss the importance of weave settings on the light emission, tapes that are woven with different warp tensions are regarded. The applicability of the modelling procedure to predict light emission of complete weaves is shown.