Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
04:32
Quantitative Characterization of Liquid Photosensitive Bioink Properties for Continuous Digital Light Processing Based Printing
Published on: April 14, 2023
Printable thermo-optic polymer switches utilizing imprinting and ink-jet printing
Xiaohui Lin1, Tao Ling, Harish Subbaraman
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 10100 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78758, USA.
Optics Express
|February 8, 2013
Summary
We developed a printable Thermo-Optic (TO) switch using imprinting and inkjet printing. This method enables low-cost, high-throughput fabrication of photonic devices with fast switching speeds.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Thermo-optic (TO) switches are crucial components in photonic integrated circuits.
- Traditional fabrication methods can be costly and limit scalability.
- Printable electronics offer a promising alternative for cost-effective device manufacturing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel printable TO switch.
- To explore the use of imprinting and inkjet printing for photonic device fabrication.
- To evaluate the performance and fabrication potential of the developed TO switch.
Main Methods:
- Utilized imprinting to transfer a 2x2 switch pattern into a UV15LV polymer bottom cladding.
- Employed inkjet printing to deposit a SU-8 polymer core layer.
- Investigated material systems, optical designs, and thermal aspects for the printable switch.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated a functional printable TO switch.
- Demonstrated switch operation up to 1 kHz with switching times under 0.5 ms.
- Confirmed the potential for high-throughput, roll-to-roll fabrication.
Conclusions:
- Printable TO switches fabricated via imprinting and inkjet printing are feasible.
- The developed method offers a low-cost, scalable approach for photonic devices.
- This technology holds significant promise for future high-volume photonic manufacturing.
