Plasmon assisted 3D microstructuring of gold nanoparticle-doped polymers

Abstract

3D laser lithography of a negative photopolymer (zirconium/silicon hybrid solgel SZ2080) doped with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) is performed with a 515 nm and 300 fs laser system and the effect of doping is explored. By varying the laser-generated Au NP doping concentration from 4.8 · 10(-6) wt% to 9.8 · 10(-3) wt% we find that the fabricated line widths are enlarged by up to 14.8% compared to structures achieved in pure SZ2080. While implicating a positive effect on the photosensitivity, the doping has no adverse impact on the mechanical quality of intricate 3D microstructures produced from the doped nanocompound. Additionally, we found that SZ2080 increases the long term (∼months) colloidal stability of Au NPs in isopropanol. By discussing the nanoparticle-light interaction in the 3D polymer structures we provide implications that our findings might have on other fields, such as biomedicine and photonics.

Optically Clear and Resilient Free-Form µ-Optics 3D-Printed via Ultrafast Laser Lithography

“…For other diverse applications, SZ2080 can be doped with organic die molecules [55] or noble metal nanoparticles [56], which can be used for polymerization control or increased functionalities. In the recently developed field of astro-photonics [57], where absorption in laser written waveguide lanterns is strong [58], the polymerised waveguides can tackle high loss problems.…”

Optically Clear and Resilient Free-Form <em>&micro;</em>-Optics 3D-Printed via Ultrafast Laser Lithography

“…For other diverse applications, SZ2080 can be doped with organic die molecules [47] or noble metal nanoparticles [48], which can be used for polymerisation control or increased functionalities. In the recently developed field of astro-photonics [49], where absorption in laser written waveguide lanterns is strong [50], the polymerised waveguides can tackle high loss problem.…”

Hybrid Subtractive-Additive-Welding Microfabrication for Lab-on-Chip (LOC) Applications via Single Amplified Femtosecond Laser Source

“…The channels were sealed with 150 µm cover glass slide. For the filter mesh fabrication a hybrid organic-inorganic photopolymer SZ2080 was chosen as it exhibits high mechanical strength, 11 wide fabrication window 12 and, if need arises, could be easily combined with organic 13 or inorganic 14 additives for increased functionality. It was mixed with 1 wt.% photoinitiator 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-1-(4-morpholinophenyl)-butanone-1 (also known as Irgacure 369).…”