Fabrication and Application of Single Crystal Fiber: Review and Prospective

Abstract The state of the art of single crystal fiber (SCF) fabrication has evolved and improved over the last five decades. Nowadays, edge‐defined film‐feed growth, micro‐pulling down, and laser heated pedestal growth are three major techniques for the fabrication of SCF. Solid state crystal growth and temperature gradient technology are also very active recently making small size SCF. These optical fiber growth techniques are powerful material research tools employed globally for both scientific inquiry and practical applications. This article introduces the development of SCF growth techniques, with particular emphasis on recent practical applications including temperature sensing, radiation environment sensing, fiber laser and power delivery, chemical and medical application, imaging application, and piezoelectric application. In all cases, the application‐oriented point of view provides the reader with an up‐to‐date panorama of the vast possibilities offered by SCF. In the end, perspectives on the trends and future development of single crystal fibers are discussed.