Reviewed by Lexie CornerAug 28 2024
According to a study published in Light: Advanced Manufacturing, researchers developed femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW), a cutting-edge approach for sculpting complicated micro-optical devices with nanoscale accuracy (the width of a few human hairs).
Diagram of the femtosecond laser system and processing principle. a Diagram of the FsLDW system. The principle of b two-photon polymerization (TPP), c femtosecond laser ablation (FLA), and d femtosecond laser modification (FLM). e Assisted methods for FLA. Image Credit: TranSpread
The field of technology is getting smaller, and this also applies to optics. This is not a science fiction fantasy; rather, it is a reality that is changing everything from optical communication to medical imaging.
Forget large, typical optical setups. FsLDW uses ultrafast laser pulses as small chisels to carve materials into miniature miracles. Unlike its predecessors, FsLDW overcomes resolution constraints to create previously unimaginable micro-optical components. This increased accuracy results in sharper images, clearer medical scans, and better functioning in photonics devices and infrared applications.
However, the benefits extend beyond picture-perfect clarity. FsLDW, unlike many other flat-surface-limited technologies, enables three-dimensional printing capabilities.
Imagine a future where intricate lenses are seamlessly integrated into materials, tiny sensors are woven into devices, and complex stereoscopic systems are crafted with incredible precision. This vision points to a world where entire optical systems are miniaturized and seamlessly embedded into various applications.
The versatility of FsLDW goes even further. Unlike traditional methods that generate heat, FsLDW’s “cold touch” allows it to work with a diverse range of materials, from delicate polymers to robust metals and even hard crystals. This adaptability expands the potential for innovative micro-optical creations.
While the current FsLDW process relies on single-point "etching," researchers are already exploring ways to combine it with other techniques to accelerate production and push the boundaries of miniaturization even further.
The impact of FsLDW is already evident in the creation of various micro-optical elements, such as lenses, waveguides, miniature sensors, and complex stereoscopic systems. These advancements hold significant promise for applications in biomedical imaging, optical communication, and the development of compact, high-performance devices.
As research progresses, the capabilities of FsLDW are expected to expand, leading to a future where micro-optics play a central role. FsLDW is paving the way for a new era of precision miniaturization, enabling transformative breakthroughs across a range of technologies—from the tiniest biosensors to the most advanced imaging systems.
The study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 62275044, 62205174, 61875036) and the Jinan “20 New Colleges and Universities” Innovation Team Introduction Project (202228047).
Journal Reference:
Huang, L., et. al. (2024) Imaging/nonimaging microoptical elements and stereoscopic systems based on femtosecond laser direct writing. Light: Advanced Manufacturing. doi.org/10.37188/lam.2023.037