Nanoscribe Introduces 3D Printing by 2GL

Nanoscribe introduces a new 3D microfabrication technology: 3D printing by 2GL. Two-photon grayscale lithography (2GL) for 3D nano- and microfabrication merges the high resolution of 2-photon polymerization (2PP) with a voxel tuning process to achieve fewer printing layers. This makes 2GL a fast 2PP-based 3D printing technology with shape accuracy and print quality. This is why 3D grayscale printing is now offered as a new feature for Quantum X align.

Nanoscribe's Quantum X platform, with its 2GL technology for additive manufacturing of optical-grade 2D and 2.5D microstructures, is a solution for industrial manufacturing and mastering of microoptics. Now, Nanoscribe takes the voxel tuning technology to a new level by introducing 3D printing by 2GL as an addition to the aligned 2-photon lithography (A2PL) features of Quantum X align.

The printing process relies on dynamic modulation of laser power in real time while scanning at highest speed. This results in a precise size adjustment of the polymerizing voxel to match the contours of any 3D shape. 3D printing by 2GL guarantees optical-grade surfaces and fine, submicron features, without any slicing steps or shape distortion, just the real shape of any 3D print design.

3D printing by 2GL is a fast 2PP-based microfabrication technology. Its dynamic voxel tuning requires significantly fewer printing layers to achieve print results with optical-grade, smooth as well as nanostructured surfaces.

Nanoscribe's Quantum X align with its Aligned 2-Photon Lithography A2PL is equipped with this new printing technology, supported by the advanced aligner software nanoPrintX. Quantum X align is optimized for printing microoptical elements with high placement accuracy and automatically aligned on optical fibers and photonic chips. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.