3D printed gradient index glass optics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Gradient refractive index (GRIN) optics offer unique light manipulation capabilities.
• Traditional GRIN optics fabrication is complex and limits design flexibility.
• Additive manufacturing presents a novel approach for creating advanced optical components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an additive manufacturing method for producing gradient refractive index (GRIN) glass optics.
• To achieve tailored spatial profiles of refractive index in flat glass components.
• To explore novel optical functions achievable with GRIN glass fabricated via 3D printing.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing direct ink writing with an active inline micromixer for 3D printing.
• Creating multimaterial green bodies with compositional gradients (silica nanoparticles and titania).
• Consolidating printed green bodies into glass and subsequent polishing.

Main Results:

• Successfully produced glass optics with controlled gradient refractive index profiles.
• Demonstrated the ability to achieve desired refractive index distributions within flat glass.
• Showcased the fabrication of optical components with no surface curvature but with tailored optical functions.

Conclusions:

• Additive manufacturing provides a versatile platform for fabricating GRIN glass optics.
• This technique enables the creation of flat optical components with complex, spatially varying refractive indices.
• The developed approach opens possibilities for new optical designs and functionalities in various applications.