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Fabrication of Bragg Mirrors by Multilayer Inkjet Printing.
Qiaoshuang Zhang1, Qihao Jin1, Adrian Mertens1,2,3
1Light Technology Institute, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Engesserstrasse 13, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|May 24, 2022
Summary
Inkjet printing enables cost-effective fabrication of Bragg mirrors with ultrahigh reflectance up to 99%. This additive manufacturing approach allows for tunable wavelengths and lateral patterning on diverse substrates for photonic applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Bragg mirrors are crucial for light management in optical devices.
- Traditional fabrication methods (physical/chemical vapor deposition) are expensive and lack lateral patterning capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the fabrication of Bragg mirrors using inkjet printing.
- To demonstrate tunable photonic bandgaps and high reflectance through additive manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Inkjet printing of multilayer stacks to create Bragg mirrors.
- Adjustment of bilayer number and layer thickness via printing parameters to tailor photonic bandgap.
- Fabrication on various substrates including glass and foils.
Main Results:
- Achieved ultrahigh reflectance of 99% with only ten bilayers.
- Tuned central wavelength from visible to near-infrared spectrum.
- Demonstrated large-area homogeneity and variable lateral patterns.
Conclusions:
- Inkjet printing offers a cost-effective and versatile additive manufacturing method for Bragg mirrors.
- The developed technique enables precise control over optical properties and patterning for diverse applications.
- Printed Bragg mirrors show potential for microscale photonic elements, displays, and solar technologies.
