Kaleidoscopic imaging patterns of complex structures fabricated by laser-induced deformation

Abstract

Complex surface structures have stimulated a great deal of interests due to many potential applications in surface devices. However, in the fabrication of complex surface micro-/nanostructures, there are always great challenges in precise design, or good controllability, or low cost, or high throughput. Here, we present a route for the accurate design and highly controllable fabrication of surface quasi-three-dimensional (quasi-3D) structures based on a thermal deformation of simple two-dimensional laser-induced patterns. A complex quasi-3D structure, coaxially nested convex–concave microlens array, as an example, demonstrates our capability of design and fabrication of surface elements with this method. Moreover, by using only one relief mask with the convex–concave microlens structure, we have gotten hundreds of target patterns at different imaging planes, offering a cost-effective solution for mass production in lithography and imprinting, and portending a paradigm in quasi-3D manufacturing.

Laser Direct Writing of Tree-Shaped Hierarchical Cones on a Superhydrophobic Film for High-Efficiency Water Collection

“…Laser direct writing (LDW), a laser-beam based technique, can directly make complicated patterns with a high resolution (a few hundred nanometers), high writing speed, large area, and high flexibility on a 2D surface. − This technique can make patterns not only on photoresists , but also on metal and ceramic films, allowing for micronanofabrication or surface modification of a variety of materials. Especially for the patterning on metals and ceramics, LDW can modify the surface properties or morphology by a simple one-step process.…”

Kaleidoscopic patterning of micro‐objects based on software‐oriented approach using dual optical tweezers with a microlens array

“…In addition, if necessary, the trapping power of individual TSS traps can be independently adjusted by their specified dwell time—each trapping power is proportional to the dwell time—to trap each micro‐object with different properties more stably, although the demonstrations performed here set the uniform dwell time. To the best of our knowledge, no optical methods/devices for ‘dynamical (not static [14])’ patterning, which can simultaneously assemble the various heterogeneous clusters (such as Figs. 4 c and d0) having the arbitrary contact points with controlled pushing/pulling forces, are reported previously.…”

“…With the aim to expand the patterning capability of this dual system with a microlens array to the simple fabrication of various quasi-periodic structures [12][13][14], including cell clustering applications involving individual cell-to-cell interaction, in this Letter, we present a dynamic patterning method based on a software-oriented approach under the TSS technique. Subsequently, we demonstrate the kaleidoscopic patterning (periodic or symmetric arrangements such as Escher's paintings [15]) of numerous microbeads and their morphing.…”

Optical Nanofabrication of Concave Microlens Arrays

“…Apart of these new applications, the small geometric footprint and unique optical performances of microlenses and microlens arrays (MLAs) have made them essential elements in a wide range of applications in fields such as photoelectric devices, integrated micro‐optics, light beam shaping, imaging sensing, micro/nanofabrication and bionic structures . Currently, there are a variety of methods to fabricate microlenses, including photolithography, hot imprint, resist reflow, ink‐jet printing, electrochemical technology, and laser direct writing . Most of these methods produce polymer microlens, which are not suited to in harsh conditions as they can deform and fail, due to their low thermal, chemical and mechanical stability.…”