In recent years, researchers have made significant advancements in the field of 3D nanoprinting. This technology allows for the creation of arbitrary 3D structures with extremely fine features, opening up new possibilities in fields such as material science, optics, and biology. Traditional high-resolution 3D nanoprinting approaches have relied on expensive pulsed femtosecond lasers, making them inaccessible to many scientists. However, a new low-cost and easy-to-build 3D nanoprinting system developed by researchers at Zhejiang Lab and Zhejiang University in China is changing the game.
The new 3D nanoprinting technique utilizes a two-step absorption process, which allows for printing with nanometer-level accuracy. This level of precision is suitable for commercial manufacturing, making it a versatile tool for various applications. One of the most exciting aspects of this technology is its ability to print metamaterials, microlenses, and other optical devices and components. This opens up a world of possibilities for the development of advanced technologies such as virtual and augmented reality devices.
Accessibility and Affordability
The affordability and ease of use of this new 3D nanoprinting system set it apart from traditional approaches. Conventional methods often require pulsed femtosecond lasers that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, making them inaccessible to many scientists. In contrast, the integrated fiber-coupled continuous-wave laser diode used in the new system is not only inexpensive but also easy to operate. This democratizes the field of 3D nanoprinting, making it accessible to scientists who may not be familiar with the complex optical systems typically associated with this type of fabrication.
The key to achieving high-resolution 3D nanoprinting with this system lies in the use of a two-step absorption process. In the past, two-photon absorption was the preferred technique for printing objects with a feature size of approximately 100 nm. However, it relied on expensive femtosecond lasers and specialized materials. The new system builds upon the advancements of the two-step absorption technique developed by Vincent Hahn’s research team at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. This technique utilizes a special photoinitiator called benzil in combination with a single light source to achieve polymerization.
Simplification and Speed
The researchers at Zhejiang Lab and Zhejiang University have further simplified and improved the two-step absorption process, making it faster and more efficient. Their system uses a 405-nm-wavelength integrated fiber-coupled laser, which enables precise printing at low speeds. By collimating and directing the laser beam onto galvanometric mirrors and then focusing it into the photosensitive material with a high-numerical aperture microscope objective, the system achieves excellent results with minimal optical aberrations.
To showcase the capabilities of their 3D nanoprinting system, the researchers printed 2D line gratings and 3D woodpile nanostructures with impressive precision. The lateral period of the woodpile nanostructures was 350 nm, demonstrating the system’s ability to create complex and detailed objects. Furthermore, by increasing the scan speed to 1000 microns per second, the researchers were still able to fabricate sub-200-nm resolution 2D gratings with sub-50-nm linewidth, all while using laser power less than 1mW.
Future Developments
While the new 3D nanoprinting system has already shown great promise, the researchers are not resting on their laurels. They are dedicated to improving the writing speed and quality of the technique while maintaining high resolution. This ongoing research will enhance the system’s practicality and make it even more suitable for a wide range of applications.
The advancements in 3D nanoprinting technology have brought about a new era of accessibility and affordability. With the development of the low-cost and easy-to-build system by the researchers at Zhejiang Lab and Zhejiang University, scientists from various disciplines can now explore the possibilities of 3D nanoprinting. The precision and versatility of this new technique enable the creation of arbitrary 3D structures with nanometer-level accuracy. As researchers continue to improve upon this technology, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking applications in the future.
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