Researchers have developed a new method for 3D printing glass using light instead of high temperatures. The new technique, which uses deep ultraviolet (DUV) light, is faster and more energy-efficient than traditional methods. The resulting glass microstructures are transparent and have a smooth surface, making them suitable for various applications in optics, microfluidics, and medical devices.
The new technique works by focusing DUV light onto a vat of liquid photosensitive glass. The light cures the resin, layer by layer, building up the desired 3D structure. The researchers used a two-photon polymerization process, which means that the resin only cures where it is exposed to two photons of light. This allows for very precise control over the shape of the printed structures.
The researchers printed a variety of microstructures, including microlenses, waveguides, and microfluidic channels. The printed structures were all transparent and had a smooth surface finish. The researchers also tested the mechanical properties of the printed glass and found that it was as strong as glass that is made using traditional methods.
The new technique can potentially revolutionize the way glass microstructures are made. It is faster and more energy efficient than traditional methods, and it allows for the creation of more complex structures. This could lead to new optics, microfluidics, and medical device applications. Overall, the new deep ultraviolet light 3D printing technique is a promising new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we fabricate glass. With further development, it could lead to a new era of glass-based products.
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