
represents an atomic-level smoothness of the nanofiber surface and is much
lower than those of silica nanowires, tubes, or strips obtained using other
fabrication methods [9, 69–74].
11.5 PROPERTIES OF SILICA NANOFIBERS
For optical applications, the most important properties of silica nanofibers
are optical loss, mechanical strength, and pliability. In this section, we review the
mechanical properties and optical losses of silica nanofibers and discuss tech-
niques for micromanipulation and assembly.
11.5.1 Micromanipulation and Mechanical
Properties
The ability to manipulate nanofibers individually is critical to their charac-
terization and application. ...