Paul Delrot

Single-photon three-dimensional microfabrication through a multimode optical fiber

Two-photon polymerization (TPP) processes have enabled the fabrication of advanced and functional microstructures. However, most TPP platforms are bulky and require the use of expensive femtosecond lasers. Here, we propose an inexpensive and compact alternative to TPP by adapting an endoscopic imaging system for single-photon three-dimensional microfabrication. The wavefront of a visible continuous-wave laser beam is shaped so that it focuses into a photoresist through a 5 cm long ultra-thin multimode optical fiber (∅70 μm, NA 0.64). Using this device, we show that single-photon polymerization can be confined to the phase-controlled focal spot thanks to the non-linearity of the photoresist, likely due to oxygen radical scavenging. Thus, by exploiting this non-linearity with a specific overcuring method we demonstrate single-photon three-dimensional fabrication of solid and hollow microstructures through a multimode fiber with a 1.0-μm lateral and 21.5-μm axial printing resolution. This opens up new possibilities for advanced and functional microfabrication through endoscopic probes with inexpensive laser sources.

3D printing with multimode fibers (Conference Presentation)

We show that a multimode fiber can be used to deliver shaped light, either continuous wave or ultra fast pulses, in a resin in order to build useful complex three dimensional objects in areas difficult or impossible to reach with conventional manufacturing tools. We show complex objects that are made by additive manufacturing with either a single photon or a 2 photon process. We investigate the build volume and resolution that are possible by engineering the fiber tip.

Endoscopic light delivery for advanced manufacturing (Conference Presentation)

We show that a multimode fiber which can be either a graded index fiber or fiber bundle can be used to deliver shaped light to build useful complex parts in areas difficult or impossible to reach with conventional manufacturing tools. We will show complex objects of micrometer scale that are made by additive manufacturing with either a single photon or a 2 photon process. The large effective core area of the multimode fiber allows two orders of magnitude higher pulsed energy transfer while maintaining a spatial and temporal diffraction limit. This enable both subtractive and additive manufacturing.

Integrated Platform for Multi-resolution Additive Manufacturing

The integration of several printing techniques into a single platform requires to miniaturize each additive manufacturing tool.

Laser-assisted inkjet printing of highly viscous fluids with sub-nozzle resolution

Drop-on-demand inkjet printing is mostly based on thermal and piezo-actuation, allowing for densely packed nozzles in inkjet printers. However, the droplet diameter is typically defined by the nozzle diameter, thus limiting the range of viscosity that can be jetted to 10-100 mPa.s to prevent nozzle clogging. Here, we present a laser-assisted system for the delivery of micro-droplets of highly viscous fluids with sub-nozzle resolution. Highly focused supersonic jets have recently been demonstrated by focusing a nanosecond pulse of light into a micro-capillary filled with dyed water, hence generating a cavitation bubble. The consequent pressure wave impact on the concave free surface of the liquid generated flow-focused micro-jets. We implemented this technique for the production of low velocity micro-droplets with photopolymer inks of increasing viscosity (0.6-148 mPa.s) into a 300 μm-wide glass capillary using low laser energies (3-70 μJ). Time-resolved imaging provided details on the droplet generation. Single micro-droplets of diameter 70-80 μm were produced on demand with inks of viscosity 0.6-9 mPa.s with good controllability and reproducibility, thus enabling to print two-dimensional patterns with a precision of 13 μm. Furthermore, the primary droplet produced with the most viscous fluid was about 66% of the capillary diameter. Preliminary results also showed that the process is linearly scalable to narrower capillaries (100-200 μm), thus paving the way for a compact laser-assisted inkjet printer. A possible application of the device would be additive manufacturing as the printed patterns could be consequently cured.

Complex light in 3D printing

3D printing as a tool to generate complicated shapes from CAD files, on demand, with different materials from plastics to metals, is shortening product development cycles, enabling new design possibilities and can provide a mean to manufacture small volumes cost effectively. There are many technologies for 3D printing and the majority uses light in the process. In one process (Multi-jet modeling, polyjet, printoptical©), a printhead prints layers of ultra-violet curable liquid plastic. Here, each nozzle deposits the material, which is then flooded by a UV curing lamp to harden it. In another process (Stereolithography), a focused UV laser beam provides both the spatial localization and the photo-hardening of the resin. Similarly, laser sintering works with metal powders by locally melting the material point by point and layer by layer. When the laser delivers ultra-fast focused pulses, nonlinear effects polymerize the material with high spatial resolution. In these processes, light is either focused in one spot and the part is made by scanning it or the light is expanded and covers a wide area for photopolymerization. Hence a fairly “simple” light field is used in both cases. Here, we give examples of how “complex light” brings additional level of complexity in 3D printing.