Super-fine inkjet process for alignment-free integration of non-transparent structures into 3D-printed micro-optics

摘要

The performance of microlenses fabricated via femtosecond direct laser writing is insuperably limited with regardsto image contrast within its all-transparent material system. Our proposed super-fine inkjet process for therealization of apertures and non-transparent hulls both shields stray light and adds additional optical designparameters, namely diameter, shape, and position of the aperture. A micropinhole camera, a high-contrastimaging microlens, and a telecentric system are demonstrated. Our method is most suitable for 3D-printedmicro-optics due to its one-step integration and auto-adjustment of the aperture position and can be useful forhighly precise integration of functional materials beyond mere non-transparency.