- Additive manufacturing of ultra-precise nanostructured optics allows time-saving and complex 3D fabrication
At a time when combating counterfeiting becomes more and more important for the authentication of products, microprinting offers an innovative, quick and cost-effective solution for producing optically complex prototypes and polymer masters, e.g. diffractive optical elements (DOEs).
Based on the technique of two-photon polymerization, Nanoscribe´s Photonic Professional GT systems enable the fabrication of complex and moldable 2.5D structures like DOEs in one single run. This direct manufacturing method avoids costly and lengthy mask making during the stage of design preparation and modification.
In order to prepare the printing data, an integrated software tool is able to import a height profile in the form of a bitmap file and print a DOE directly from it as a 2.5D structure. Hence, complex DOEs can be manufactured from common image formats through simple design preparation in a user-friendly workflow.
Compared to 2.5D gray scale lithography or 2D UV-exposure and subsequent reflow techniques 3D microprinting stands out allowing direct fabrication of arbitrarily complex shapes in one single printing step. These can be refractive optics such as arrays of semispherical lenses, diffractive optics such as Fresnel lenses or DOEs as well as stacked micro-lenses. Due to the versatility of two-photon polymerization, even three-dimensional security features can now be produced with this groundbreaking technology.
About Nanoscribe
The supplier of 3D printers for nano- and microfabrication has established itself as technology and global market leader with its laser lithographic processes. Based on the technique of two-photon polymerization, the Photonic Professional GT systems enable the fabrication of highest-resolution and ultra-complex 2D, 2.5D, and 3D nano- and microstructures for scientific and industrial applications. Renowned universities and top research institutes use the award-winning systems in more than 30 countries. Nanoscribe´s portfolio is complemented by tailor-made resins and process solutions. The medium-sized company was founded in 2007 as a spin-off from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).
Contact:
Nanoscribe GmbH
Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1
76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
Tel +49 721 981 980 0
Fax +49 721 981 980 130
Source: Nanoscribe
