Integrated photonics by 3D Microfabrication

The design freedom of Two-Photon Polymerization (2PP) based 3D printing enables to additively manufacture optical interfaces, waveguides and hybrid refractive-diffractive optics on various prepatterned substrates. Benefit from the high-precision positioning systems in our technology to precisely integrate complex microstructures where needed.

3D Microfabrication of complex optical structures on pre-existing patterns

The miniaturization of optical and optoelectronic components is decisive for enabling data communication and telecommunication as well as sensing and imaging applications. The realization of freeform lenses, mirrors and other novel designs by conventional micro-scale 3D printing lacks sufficient resolution and optical surface quality. Two-Photon Polymerization allows to print optically transparent microstructures with smooth surfaces along a lean process. The technology is not only used to fabricate microparts on plane substrates but also to directly print complex structures precisely on pre-existing patterns and topographies, e.g. on photonic integrated circuits, on optical fiber tips and on premanufactured wafers. This method enables miniaturization and assembly-free fabrication of optical interfaces with high-precision in-situ 3D microprinting on various materials, such as InP, SOI and Si3N4.

For example, it is used to print freeform microoptical components directly onto chips, enabling the connection of multiple fibers to a chip. The light in this case must be collected, redirected parallel to the chip plane and then transferred to a narrow waveguide. For this purpose, the inherent design freedom of Two-Photon Polymerization enables to combine elements such as a spherical lens to collect light from the fiber facet with a taper to transfer it into the waveguide.

Nanoscribe’s expertise in high precision 3D Microfabrication and more than a decade of experience in the field of integrated photonics resulted in Quantum X align, the best-in-class 3D printer with nanoprecision alignment system. This new two-photon lithography system enables microfabrication of freeform lenses on predefined positions of photonic components and platforms.

Our aligned 3D printing competence is also sought after in several innovative research projects, such as MiLiQuantHandheldOCT and PHOENICS.

Integrated photonics
application opportunities

You want to assess the opportunities for your project in integrated photonics? Explore the application options of our 3D Microfabrication solutions. Have a look at the 10 most recent scientific publications in integrated photonics.

To view the details of the publications and to find more research topics and applications in which Nanoscribe 2PP-based 3D printing systems are already successfully used, just enter our premium resources – log in or register for free.

2022/10/03

(3+1)D-printed adiabatic 1-to-N couplers

2022/09/02

3D-Nanoprinted Antiresonant Hollow-Core Microgap Waveguide: An on-Chip Platform for Integrated Photonic Devices and Sensors

2022/07/04

Two-photon direct laser writing of micro Fabry-Perot cavity on single-mode fiber for refractive index sensing

2022/06/29

Two-photon direct laser writing of micro Fabry-Perot cavity on single-mode fiber for refractive index sensing

2022/06/27

New concept of 3D MMI splitters based on polymer

2022/06/17

The Distribution and Evolution of Refractive Index in a Polystyrene Whispering Gallery Microcavity during Glass Transition

2022/06/16

Thermo Optical Properties of 3D Photonic Wire Bonding Connecting Silicon Nitride Waveguides

2022/05/20

Design, laser direct writing prototyping, and characterization of fan-out diffractive optical elements for optical interconnect applications

2022/05/20

3D Polymer Based 1x4 Beam Splitter

2022/05/12

3D-printed fiber-based zeroth- and high-order Bessel beam generator

View more innovation projects

You get more publication examples and deeper insights within our premium resources. Via a keyword-underpinned database you find more than 1,400 scientific publications of our customers in specific application areas. Make use of the tool to gather valuable know-how and background information about the manifold application options.

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