Abstract
A pilot study on laser 3D printing of inorganic free-form micro-optics is experimentally validated. Ultrafast laser direct-write (LDW) nanolithography is employed for structuring hybrid organic-inorganic material SZ2080TM followed by high-temperature calcination post-processing. The combination allows the production of 3D architectures and the heat-treatment results in converting the material to inorganic substances. The produced miniature optical elements are characterized and their optical performance is demonstrated. Finally, the concept is validated for manufacturing compound optical components such as stacked lenses. This is an opening for new directions and applications of laser-made micro-optics under harsh conditions such as high intensity radiation, temperature, acidic environment, pressure variations, which include open space, astrophotonics, and remote sensing.
Highlights
Ultrafast laser written photonic circuits in transparent materials is a steadily growing scientific field and approaching towards practical implementations [1]
Here we demonstrate the combination of ultrafast laser 3D nanolithography and thermal posttreatment for opening a route for production of free-form inorganic structures— free-form micro-optics
The aim of the work was validation of the concept that transparent in the visible range and free-form micro-optics of inorganic materials can be made via a straightforward combination of laser 3D printing and high-temperature calcination
Summary
Ultrafast laser written photonic circuits in transparent materials is a steadily growing scientific field and approaching towards practical implementations [1]. The laser directwrite (LDW) technique based on ultrashort pulses allows prototyping of dense hierarchical integrated devices of organic photopolymers [2] as well manufacturing of ultra highperformance devices made in diamond [3] Both mentioned examples are incredible achievements individually; a cross-road of whether choosing the CAD-CAM design freedom for a prototype or the functional materials with limited processing options is inevitable. The laser direct writing 3D lithography enabled by non-linear light–matter interaction [5] is already a well-established technique for routine fabrication of diverse organic [6] and hybrid or composite materials [7] Until now, it was quite limited for direct processing of transparent inorganics of ceramic and crystalline phases [8]
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