High-Precision 3D Doping of Fused Silica Glass Derived from Nanocomposites

Glasses are utilized for their outstanding optical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, conventional production methods mostly yield in glasses with uniform compositions and material properties. Here a novel lithographic approach is presented for high-resolution 3D dopant integration at defined positions, which enables property modifications in specific regions. For this, a porous glass matrix derived from nanocomposites is shaped using 3D printing or injection molding. Using volumetric 3D printing like computed axial or two-photon lithography, doping is performed within the porous glass using photocurable metal oxide precursors. The dopant is then permanently integrated within the glass during a final sintering step. The local integration of dopants like Ti⁴⁺, Co²⁺, Eu³⁺ or Tb³⁺ allow to selectively change the color, luminescence or refractive index within a 3D-shaped glass with micron resolution. The process enables a wide range of novel applications from integrated optics and photonics to mass customization, anti-counterfeiting, and information storage.