Abstract
Abstract Three-dimensional structure fabrication using discrete building blocks provides a versatile pathway for the creation of complex nanophotonic devices. The processing of individual components can generally support high-resolution, multiple-material, and variegated structures that are not achievable in a single step using top-down or hybrid methods. In addition, these methods are additive in nature, using minimal reagent quantities and producing little to no material waste. In this article, we review the most promising technologies that build structures using the placement of discrete components, focusing on laser-induced transfer, light-directed assembly, and inkjet printing. We discuss the underlying principles and most recent advances for each technique, as well as existing and future applications. These methods serve as adaptable platforms for the next generation of functional three-dimensional nanophotonic structures.
Highlights
The ability to rapidly fabricate complex three-dimensional (3D) structures with nanoscale resolution is an enabling technology for many applications throughout the physical and life sciences
Whispering gallery mode biosensors can benefit from the integration of nanophotonic elements to facilitate greater interaction between the analyte and the evanescent whispering gallery mode field, as well as for coupling light in and out [8,9,10]
Pure electronic applications can benefit from 3D nanofabrication to realize 3D integrated circuit architectures which overcome the computational bottleneck associated with data-intensive operations [14]
Summary
The ability to rapidly fabricate complex three-dimensional (3D) structures with nanoscale resolution is an enabling technology for many applications throughout the physical and life sciences. It can be challenging to fabricate devices with the required level of accuracy and precision To address these challenges, several methods for 3D nanofabrication have been established or significantly improved over the last few years, including techniques such as direct laser writing [15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22], and self-assembly [23,24,25,26], among others. Quantum dots or biochemically functionalized particles are discrete components that are straightforward to synthesize in large quantities and can be positioned using the techniques we discuss here They would be difficult to fabricate in specific locations on a 3D structure using monolithic techniques like direct laser writing or lithography, which work from a bulk material preform and only structure a single material at a time. Following our exploration of each technique, we compare the practical advantages and disadvantages of each method, providing additional insight on the most suitable applications for each technique
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