In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of researchers has developed a cutting-edge 3D nanoprinting system that has the ability to generate intricate 3D structures with remarkable precision. This innovative technique aims to overcome the limitations of conventional high-resolution 3D nanoprinting approaches, which typically utilize expensive pulsed femtosecond lasers. The newly introduced system, however, utilizes a low-cost continuous-wave laser diode, making it accessible to a wider audience and potentially revolutionizing the field of nanoprinting.
The research team, led by Cuifang Kuang from Zhejiang Lab and Zhejiang University in China, employs a unique two-step absorption process to achieve nanometer-level accuracy in their 3D printing. This groundbreaking technique opens up a realm of possibilities in commercial manufacturing and the fabrication of optical devices. It can be utilized to print components such as metamaterials, micro-optical devices, microlenses, and specialized optical waveguides, which are essential for virtual and augmented reality applications.
One of the most significant advantages of this new system is its affordability and ease of operation. Unlike traditional methods that require costly femtosecond lasers, this technique harnesses an integrated fiber-coupled continuous-wave laser diode. This cost-effective alternative makes 3D nanoprinting accessible to scientists who may not be familiar with the intricacies of optical systems employed in such fabrication processes. Ultimately, it may pave the way for the development of affordable desktop 3D nanoprinting devices, democratizing precision nanoprinting for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The conventional two-photon absorption technique used in 3D printing necessitates the use of expensive femtosecond lasers to achieve the desired polymerization of a light-sensitive liquid resin. However, a recent alternative known as two-step absorption eliminates this requirement. Developed by Vincent Hahn’s research team at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, this novel approach employs a special photoinitiator, benzil, along with a single light source for polymerization. The researchers in this study built upon this approach and developed a simplified and faster 3D nanoprinting system using a 405-nm-wavelength integrated fiber-coupled laser.
To facilitate 2D or 3D printing, the laser beam from the single-mode polarization-maintaining fiber is directed towards galvanometric mirrors after being collimated. It is then focused into the photosensitive material using a high-numerical aperture microscope objective. Notably, this simplified system minimizes the need for an extensive array of optical components to modulate the laser beam, reducing costs and minimizing optical errors. Furthermore, the system boasts exceptional stability and compatibility with most commercial microscopes.
The capabilities of this 3D nanoprinting system are exemplified through various demonstrations conducted by the research team. By operating the system at low speeds, the researchers were able to print 2D line gratings and 3D woodpile nanostructures with a lateral period of 350 nm. When a faster scan speed of 1000 microns per second was employed, the system still maintained its incredible precision, producing 2D gratings with sub-200-nm resolution and sub-50-nm linewidth, all with a laser power of less than 1mW.
The researchers are dedicated to further enhancing the speed and quality of their innovative technique, all while ensuring the retention of high resolution. This ongoing development will render the system even more practical for a diverse range of applications. With its cost-effectiveness and versatility, this revolutionary 3D nanoprinting system has the potential to redefine the field of nanoprinting and inspire a new era of manufacturing possibilities.
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