Researchers on the 4th Physics Institute on the College of Stuttgart have demonstrated the viability of 3D printed polymer-based micro-optics in a demanding laser setting.
Detailed within the Optics Journal, the research outlines using 3D printing expertise to straight manufacture microscale optics onto optical fibers, seamlessly integrating fibers and laser crystals right into a single laser oscillator. Sustaining stability, the ensuing hybrid laser produces a constant output exceeding 20 mW at 1063.4 nm, reaching a peak of 37 mW. What units this laser aside is its mixture of the compactness, sturdiness, and cost-effectiveness of fiber-based lasers together with the versatile properties of crystal-based solid-state lasers, together with varied powers and colours. This analysis represents a big development in the direction of creating reasonably priced, small, and dependable lasers, significantly useful for lidar techniques in autonomous automobiles.
“We considerably lowered the scale of a laser through the use of 3D printing to manufacture high-quality micro-optics straight on glass fibers used within lasers,” stated analysis crew chief Simon Angstenberger, 4th Physics Institute on the College of Stuttgart. “That is the primary implementation of such 3D printed optics in a real-world laser, highlighting their excessive harm threshold and stability.”
From cumbersome lasers to compact powerhouses with 3D printed optics
The 4th Physics Institute on the College of Stuttgart has been actively concerned in advancing 3D printed micro-optics, significantly within the space of printing straight onto fibers. Utilizing the two-photon polymerization 3D printing strategy, the researchers achieved the creation of miniaturized optics with excessive precision and launched novel functionalities equivalent to free-form optics and sophisticated lens techniques.
On this research, a Nanoscribe 3D printer was used to create lenses measuring 0.25 mm in diameter and 80 microns in top straight onto a fiber of matching dimensions via two-photon polymerization. The process included designing an optical aspect utilizing business software program, inserting the fiber into the 3D printer, and executing the printing of the complicated construction onto the fiber’s finish. Precision in aligning the printing with the fiber and making certain accuracy within the printing course of have been essential points of this meticulous process.
After printing, the researchers assembled the laser and its cavity, choosing fibers as an alternative of conventional mirrors. This strategy resulted in a hybrid fiber-crystal laser, with the printed lenses focusing and amassing mild into and out of the laser crystal. The fibers have been then secured in a mount to boost system stability and scale back susceptibility to air turbulence, leading to a compact 5 x 5 cm2 laser system.
Over a number of hours, the laser energy underwent steady monitoring, confirming that the printed optics exhibited no deterioration and didn’t adversely have an effect on the long-term properties of the laser. Scanning electron microscopy photographs of the optics post-use within the laser cavity revealed no seen harm. The researchers are presently specializing in optimizing the effectivity of the printed optics, exploring bigger fibers and completely different lens designs to boost output energy and customization choices for particular functions.
“Till now, 3D printed optics have primarily been used for low-power functions equivalent to endoscopy,” stated Angstenberger. “The flexibility to make use of them with high-power functions may very well be helpful for lithography and laser marking, for instance. We confirmed that these 3D micro-optics printed onto fibers can be utilized to focus massive quantities of sunshine right down to a single level, which may very well be helpful for medical functions equivalent to exactly destroying cancerous tissue.”
Developments in laser expertise
In an interview with 3D Printing Trade, Head of L-PBF at Fraunhofer IAPT, Philipp Kohlwes, shared insights into the institute’s beam shaping analysis for enhancing stability and productiveness in steel 3D printing. The analysis targeted on adapting laser profiles to optimize meltpool vitality enter in laser powder mattress fusion (LPBF), addressing points brought on by conventional Gaussian profiles. Important for laser profile adjustment, beam shaping ensures a uniform temperature distribution. The expertise yields benefits like enhanced microstructure management, potential price financial savings, and as much as 2.5 occasions quicker printing, contributing to elevated productiveness.
Final 12 months in January, 3DM Digital Manufacturing unveiled a expertise enabling customers to customise their Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing laser for particular supplies or functions. Utilizing Quantum Cascade Lasers, the corporate’s proprietary laser gives adjustable wavelengths, quicker laser absorption, and excessive floor end. With functions in polymer manufacturing, the scalable expertise goals to increase industrial 3D printing’s market share.
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Featured picture exhibits researchers printed microscale lenses straight onto optical fibers, permitting them to compactly mix fibers and laser crystals inside a single laser oscillator. Photograph by way of Moritz Floess and Simon Angstenberger, 4th Physics Institute at College of Stuttgart in Germany.
