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Inkjet-printed optical interference filters
Qihao Jin1, Qiaoshuang Zhang2, Christian Rainer2,3
1Light Technology Institute (LTI), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Engesserstrasse 13, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany. qihao.jin@kit.edu.
Nature Communications
|April 20, 2024
Summary
Inkjet printing enables the cost-effective fabrication of optical interference filters (OIFs) with precise spectral control. This versatile method allows for rapid prototyping and large-scale production of customized OIFs.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Optical interference filters (OIFs) are crucial for spectral control in optical systems.
- Traditional OIF fabrication requires nanometer precision, limiting scalability and cost-effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of inkjet printing for fabricating various types of OIFs.
- To showcase precise spectral control and lateral patterning capabilities using inkjet printing.
- To explore the upscaling potential of inkjet-printed OIFs.
Main Methods:
- Rational ink design and formulation for optical materials.
- Full inkjet printing of OIFs under ambient conditions.
- Fabrication of longpass, shortpass, bandpass, and dichroic filters.
Main Results:
- Achieved precise control over the spectral response of inkjet-printed OIFs.
- Demonstrated customized lateral patterning of OIFs via inkjet printing.
- Successfully upscaled OIF fabrication to A4 size (29.7 × 21.0 cm²).
Conclusions:
- Inkjet printing is a viable, cost-effective, and scalable technology for OIF fabrication.
- This method offers high freedom in manufacturing, enabling customized and large-area optical filters.
- Inkjet printing opens new avenues for rapid prototyping and advanced photonic device manufacturing.
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