Supercritical metalens at h-line for high-resolution direct laser writing

Supercritical lens(SCL)can break the diffraction limit in the far field and has been demonstrated for high-resolution scanning confocal imaging.Its capability in sharper focusing and needle-like long focal depth should allow high-resolution lithography at violet or ultraviolet(UV)wavelength,however,this has never been experimentally demonstrated.As a proof of concept,in this paper SCLs operating at 405 nm(h-line)wavelength with smaller full-width-at-half-maximum focal spot and longer depth of focus than conventional Fresnel zone lens while maintaining controlled side lobes are designed for direct laser writing(DLW)lithography.Aluminum nitride(AlN)with a high refractive index and low loss in UVvisible range is used to fabricate nanopillar-based metasurfaces structure for the metalens.Grating arrays with improved pitch resolution are fabricated using the SCLs with sub-diffraction-limit focusing capability.The AlN-based metasurface for SCLs at short wavelength for DLW could extend further to UV or deep UV lithography and might be of great interest to both the research and industry applications.

An in-situ hybrid laser-induced integrated sensor system with antioxidative copper

Integration of sensors with engineering thermoplastics allows to track their health and surrounding stimuli.As one of vital backbones to construct sensor systems,copper(Cu)is highly conductive and cost-effective,yet tends to easily oxidize during and after processing.Herein,an in-situ integrated sensor system on engineering thermoplastics via hybrid laser direct writing is proposed,which primarily consists of laser-passivated functional Cu interconnects and laser-induced carbon-based sensors.Through a one-step photothermal treatment,the resulting functional Cu interconnects after reductive sintering and passivation are capable of resisting long-term oxidation failure at high temperatures(up to 170℃)without additional encapsulations.Interfacing with signal processing units,such an all-in-one system is applied for long-term and real-time temperature monitoring.This integrated sensor system with facile laser manufacturing strategies holds potentials for health monitoring and fault diagnosis of advanced equipment such as aircrafts,automobiles,high-speed trains,and medical devices.

Laser direct writing of Ga_(2)O_(3)/liquid metal-based flexible humidity sensors

Flexible and wearable humidity sensors play a vital role in daily point-of-care diagnosis and noncontact human-machine interactions.However,achieving a facile and high-speed fabrication approach to realizing flexible humidity sensors remains a challenge.In this work,a wearable capacitive-type Ga_(2)O_(3)/liquid metal-based humidity sensor is demonstrated by a one-step laser direct writing technique.Owing to the photothermal effect of laser,the Ga_(2)O_(3)-wrapped liquid metal particles can be selectively sintered and converted from insulative to conductive traces with a resistivity of 0.19Ω·cm,while the untreated regions serve as active sensing layers in response to moisture changes.Under 95%relative humidity,the humidity sensor displays a highly stable performance along with rapid response and recover time.Utilizing these superior properties,the Ga_(2)O_(3)/liquid metal-based humidity sensor is able to monitor human respiration rate,as well as skin moisture of the palm under different physiological states for healthcare monitoring.

Femtosecond laser direct writing of functional stimulus-responsive structures and applications

Diverse natural organisms possess stimulus-responsive structures to adapt to the surrounding environment.Inspired by nature,researchers have developed various smart stimulus-responsive structures with adjustable properties and functions to address the demands of ever-changing application environments that are becoming more intricate.Among many fabrication methods for stimulus-responsive structures,femtosecond laser direct writing(FsLDW)has received increasing attention because of its high precision,simplicity,true three-dimensional machining ability,and wide applicability to almost all materials.This paper systematically outlines state-of-the-art research on stimulus-responsive structures prepared by FsLDW.Based on the introduction of femtosecond laser-matter interaction and mainstream FsLDW-based manufacturing strategies,different stimulating factors that can trigger structural responses of prepared intelligent structures,such as magnetic field,light,temperature,pH,and humidity,are emphatically summarized.Various applications of functional structures with stimuli-responsive dynamic behaviors fabricated by FsLDW,as well as the present obstacles and forthcoming development opportunities,are discussed.

Femtosecond-laser direct writing 3D micro/nano-lithography using VIS-light oscillator

Here we report a femtosecond laser direct writing(a precise 3D printing also known as two-photon polymerization lithography) of hybrid organic-inorganic SZ2080^(TM)pre-polymer without using any photo-initiator and applying ~100 fs oscillator operating at 517 nm wavelength and 76 MHz repetition rate. The proof of concept was experimentally demonstrated and benchmarking 3D woodpile nanostructures, micro-scaffolds, free-form micro-object “Benchy” and bulk micro-cubes are successfully produced. The essential novelty underlies the fact that non-amplified laser systems delivering just 40-500 p J individual pulses are sufficient for inducing localized cross-linking reactions within hundreds of nanometers in cross sections. And it is opposed to the prejudice that higher pulse energies and lower repetition rates of amplified lasers are necessary for structuring non-photosensitized polymers. The experimental work is of high importance for fundamental understanding of laser enabled nanoscale 3D additive manufacturing and widens technology’ s field of applications where the avoidance of photo-initiator is preferable or is even a necessity, such as micro-optics, nano-photonics, and biomedicine.

Bioinspired micro/nanostructured surfaces prepared by femtosecond laser direct writing for multi-functional applications

manufacturing of biomimetic micro/nanostructures due to its specific advantages including high precision,simplicity,and compatibility for diverse materials in comparison with other methods(e.g.ion etching,sol-gel process,chemical vapor deposition,template method,and self-assembly).These biomimetic micro/nanostructured surfaces are of significant interest for academic and industrial research due to their wide range of potential applications,including self-cleaning surfaces,oil-water separation,and fog collection.This review presents the inherent relationship between natural organisms,fabrication methods,micro/nanostructures and their potential applications.Thereafter,we throw a list of current fabrication strategies so as to highlight the advantages of FLDW in manufacturing bioinspired microstructured surfaces.Subsequently,we summarize a variety of typical bioinspired designs(e.g.lotus leaf,pitcher plant,rice leaf,butterfly wings,etc)for diverse multifunctional micro/nanostructures through extreme femtosecond laser processing technology.Based on the principle of interfacial chemistry and geometrical optics,we discuss the potential applications of these functional micro/nanostructures and assess the underlying challenges and opportunities in the extreme fabrication of bioinspired micro/nanostructures by FLDW.This review concludes with a follow up and an outlook of femtosecond laser processing in biomimetic domains.

Laser direct writing derived robust carbon nitride films with efficient photon-to-electron conversion for multifunctional photoelectrical applications

Carbon nitride,an emerging polymeric semiconductor,has attracted attention in research ranging from photocatalysis to photodetection due to its favorable visible light response and high physicochemical stability.For its practical device application,the fabrication of high-quality carbon nitride films on substrates is essential.However,conventional methodologies to achieve high polymerization of carbon nitride are often accompanied by its decomposition,significantly compromising the film quality.Herein,we report an ultrafast fabrication of carbon nitride film by laser direct writing(LDW).The instantaneous high temperature and pressure during LDW can efficiently boost the polymerization of carbon nitride and suppress its decomposition,resulting in high-quality carbon nitride film with excellent mechanical stability with the substrate.Due to the efficient photon-to-electron conversion,it exhibits an outstanding photoelectrochemical water splitting and optoelectronic detection capability,even under strong acid/alkaline conditions.This study thus offers a facile and efficient LDW strategy for the rapid fabrication of carbon nitride film photoelectrodes,demonstrating its great feasibility in multifunctional photoelectrical applications,including but not limited to photoelectrochemical water splitting and optoelectronic detection.

Periodic transparent nanowires in ITO film fabricated via femtosecond laser direct writing

This paper reports the fabrication of regular large-area laser-induced periodic surface structures(LIPSSs)in indium tin oxide(ITO)films via femtosecond laser direct writing focused by a cylindrical lens.The regular LIPSSs exhibited good properties as nanowires,with a resistivity almost equal to that of the initial ITO film.By changing the laser fluence,the nanowire resistances could be tuned from 15 to 73 kΩ/mm with a consistency of±10%.Furthermore,the average transmittance of the ITO films with regular LIPSSs in the range of 1200-2000 nm was improved from 21%to 60%.The regular LIPSS is promising for transparent electrodes of nano-optoelectronic devices-particularly in the near-infrared band.

Self-limiting laser crystallization and direct writing of 2D materials

Direct growth and patterning of atomically thin two-dimensional(2D)materials on various substrates are essential steps towards enabling their potential for use in the next generation of electronic and optoelectronic devices.The conventional gas-phase growth techniques,however,are not compatible with direct patterning processes.Similarly,the condensed-phase methods,based on metal oxide deposition and chalcogenization processes,require lengthy processing times and high temperatures.Here,a novel self-limiting laser crystallization process for direct crystallization and patterning of 2D materials is demonstrated.It takes advantage of significant differences between the optical properties of the amorphous and crystalline phases.Pulsed laser deposition is used to deposit a thin layer of stoichiometric amorphous molybdenum disulfide(MoS2)film(∼3 nm)onto the fused silica substrates.A tunable nanosecond infrared(IR)laser(1064 nm)is then employed to couple a precise amount of power and number of pulses into the amorphous materials for controlled crystallization and direct writing processes.The IR laser interaction with the amorphous layer results in fast heating,crystallization,and/or evaporation of the materials within a narrow processing window.However,reduction of the midgap and defect states in the as crystallized layers decreases the laser coupling efficiency leading to higher tolerance to process parameters.The deliberate design of such laser 2D material interactions allows the selflimiting crystallization phenomena to occur with increased quality and a much broader processing window.This unique laser processing approach allows high-quality crystallization,direct writing,patterning,and the integration of various 2D materials into future functional devices.

Laser Direct Writing of Ag Films from Solution on Si Substrate

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used to irradiate Si substrate immersed in AgNO3 ethylene glycol solution to deposit Ag films along the lines scanned by laser on the substrate, which is a photo-thermal decomposing process. The decomposed Ag atoms congregate and form polycrystalline Ag particles. The Ag concentration changes greatly with the total laser energyA absorbed by substrate. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation shows the Ag particles are inlaid in the Si substrate. Auger electron spectrum (AES) shows that the Ag concentration decreases with the increase of the sputtering depth, and there is no oxygen element on the surface of the deposited Ag films.

Laser direct writing of flexible multifunctional airflow sensors on the Kevlar fabric

The growing interest in flexible devices has emerged as a global trend due to their advantages in flexibility,lightweight structure,and wearability,addressing the limitations of traditional devices.While wearable airflow sensors have been previously reported,the development of flexible fabric-based airflow sensors capable of functioning in environments with open flames—critical for fire rescue operations—has yet to be explored,largely due to the poor fire resistance of conventional fabrics.In this work,we first present a flexible,wearable,and multifunctional airflow sensor with excellent fire-resistant properties,fabricated through a simple direct laser writing process.This sensor maintains airflow detection capabilities even in the presence of open flames.Typically,the fabrication of fabric-based sensors involves complex procedures such as carbon materials doping or vapor-phase deposition,leading to lengthy preparation cycles and high costs.Furthermore,fabric-based devices are inherently prone to flammability.To address these challenges,we introduce twice-vertical laser-induced graphene(TVLIG)as a sensitive and reliable component for fire-resistant airflow sensors.The resulting TVLIG/Kevlar fabric can be integrated into various garments,particularly protective suits,to form sensitive and fire-resistant airflow sensors capable of detecting airflow velocity and direction in both two-dimensional(2D)and three-dimensional(3D)spaces during fire incidents.Additionally,the TVLIG patterns can be expanded to multifunctional platforms,such as glucose detection for injured individuals,offering further applications in rescue operations.This functional expansion reduces the burden on rescue personnel and streamlines device preparation.With its outstanding sensing capabilities,fire resistance,and expandability,the developed flexible airflow sensor shows great potential for various real-world rescue scenarios,promising advancements in wearable sensing technology for rescue engineering.

A direct laser-synthesized magnetic metamaterial for low-frequency wideband passive microwave absorption

Microwave absorption in radar stealth technology is faced with challenges in terms of its effectiveness in low-frequency regions.Herein,we report a new laser-based method for producing an ultrawideband metamaterial-based microwave absorber with a highly uniform sheet resistance and negative magnetic permeability at resonant frequencies,which results in a wide bandwidth in the L-to S-band.Control of the electrical sheet resistance uniformity has been achieved with less than 5%deviation at 400Ωsq^(-1)and 6%deviation at 120Ωsq^(-1),resulting in a microwave absorption coefficient between 97.2%and 97.7%within a1.56–18.3 GHz bandwidth for incident angles of 0°–40°,and there is no need for providing energy or an electrical power source during the operation.Porous N-and S-doped turbostratic graphene 2D patterns with embedded magnetic nanoparticles were produced simultaneously on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate via laser direct writing.The proposed low-frequency,wideband,wide-incident-angle,and high-electromagnetic-absorption microwave absorber can potentially be used in aviation,electromagnetic interference(EMI)suppression,and 5G applications.

Memristive feature and mechanism induced by laser-doping in defect-free 2D semiconductor materials

Memristors as non-volatile memory devices have gained numerous attentions owing to their advantages in storage,in-memory computing, synaptic applications, etc. In recent years, two-dimensional(2D) materials with moderate defects have been discovered to exist memristive feature. However, it is very difficult to obtain moderate defect degree in 2D materials, and studied on modulation means and mechanism becomes urgent and essential. In this work, we realized memristive feature with a bipolar switching and a configurable on/off ratio in a two-terminal MoS_(2) device(on/off ratio ~100), for the first time, from absent to present using laser-modulation to few-layer defect-free MoS_(2)(about 10 layers), and its retention time in both high resistance state and low resistance state can reach 2×10^(4) s. The mechanism of the laser-induced memristive feature has been cleared by dynamic Monte Carlo simulations and first-principles calculations. Furthermore, we verified the universality of the laser-modulation by investigating other 2D materials of TMDs. Our work will open a route to modulate and optimize the performance of 2D semiconductor memristive devices.

Compact 1×3 waveguide beam splitters with variable splitting ratios in LiNbO_(3) crystal fabricated by femtosecond laser direct writing

In this Letter,waveguide beam splitters(1×3)with type I modifications are fabricated in a LiNbO_(3) crystal by femtosecond laser direct writing.The influence of the relative positions of three sub-waveguides on power splitting ratios are investigated in detail and the corresponding output intensities as functions of the relative positions in the numerical simulation are plotted,which are in good accordance with the experimental results.In addition,the waveguide beam splitter with a 1:1:1 splitting ratio is fabricated by changing the relative widths of the three branch-waveguides.Guiding performances at 532 nm are measured and analyzed by a typical end-face coupling system.The simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the beam splitting ratio of the waveguide splitter can be precisely regulated by the positions and widths of the sub-waveguides.

Transient features of graphitization and nitrogen-vacancy color centers in a diamond fabricated by localization femtosecond laser direct writing

Femtosecond laser direct writing provides an efficient approach to fabricating single nitrogen vacancy(NV) color centers with a relatively high yield. Different from previously reported NV color centers with a random distribution in a bulk diamond or nanocrystals, this gives an opportunity to study the photophysical properties of single NV color centers with precise numbers and positions. However, ultrafast studies on single NV color centers prepared by localization femtosecond laser direct writing are still rare, especially for the graphitization inside a diamond and its relationship with single NV color centers. Here, we report the broadband transient absorption(TA) spectroscopic features of the graphitization and NV color centers in a diamond fabricated by localization femtosecond laser direct writing at room temperature under 400 nm excitation. In comparison with the graphene oxide film, the bleaching features of the graphitization point array in a diamond are similar to reduced graphene oxide,accompanied by excited state absorption signals from local carbon atom vacancy defects in graphene-like structures induced by laser writing. On the other hand, transient features of laser processing array containing single NV color centers with a yield of~50% are different from those of the graphitization point array. Our findings suggest that for ultrashort pulse processing of diamonds, broadband TA spectral signals are sensitive to the surrounding atomic environment of processing sites, which could be applied to laser writing point defects in other materials used as solid-state single photon sources.

All laser direct writing process for temperature sensor based on graphene and silver

A highly sensitive temperature sensing array is prepared by all laser direct writing(LDW)method,using laser induced silver(LIS)as electrodes and laser induced graphene(LIG)as temperature sensing layer.A finite element analysis(FEA)photothermal model incorporating a phase transition mechanism is developed to investigate the relationship between laser parameters and LIG properties,providing guidance for laser processing parameters selection with laser power of 1–5 W and laser scanning speed(greater than 50 mm/s).The deviation of simulation and experimental data for widths and thickness of LIG are less than 5%and 9%,respectively.The electrical properties and temperature responsiveness of LIG are also studied.By changing the laser process parameters,the thickness of the LIG ablation grooves can be in the range of 30–120μm and the resistivity of LIG can be regulated within the range of 0.031–67.2Ω・m.The percentage temperature coefficient of resistance(TCR)is calculated as−0.58%/°C.Furthermore,the FEA photothermal model is studied through experiments and simulations data regarding LIS,and the average deviation between experiment and simulation is less than 5%.The LIS sensing samples have a thickness of about 14μm,an electrical resistivity of 0.0001–100Ω・m is insensitive to temperature and pressure stimuli.Moreover,for a LIS-LIG based temperature sensing array,a correction factor is introduced to compensate for the LIG temperature sensing being disturbed by pressure stimuli,the temperature measurement difference is decreased from 11.2 to 2.6°C,indicating good accuracy for temperature measurement.

Direct laser writing on halide perovskites:from mechanisms to applications

Metal halide perovskites have emerged as game-changing semiconductor materials in optoelectronics.As an efficient micro-/nano-manufacturing technology,direct laser writing(DLW)has been extensively used to fabricate patterns,micro/nanostructures,and pixel arrays on perovskites to promote their optoelectronic applications.Owing to the unique ionic properties and soft lattices of perovskites,DLW can introduce rich light-matter interactions,including laser ablation,crystallisation,ion migration,phase segregation,photoreaction,and other transitions,which enable diverse functionalities in addition to the intrinsic properties of perovskites.Based on their patterned structures,perovskites have numerous applications in displays,optical information encryption,solar cells,light-emitting diodes,lasers,photodetectors,and planar lenses,which are comprehensively discussed in this review.Finally,we discuss the challenges that must be addressed for the future development of this fascinating field.

Laser-Assisted Reduction of Highly Conductive Circuits Based on Copper Nitrate for Flexible Printed Sensors

Stretchable electronic sensing devices are defining the path toward wearable electronics. High-performance flexible strain sensors attached on clothing or human skin are required for potential applications in the entertainment,health monitoring, and medical care sectors. In this work,conducting copper electrodes were fabricated onpolydimethylsiloxane as sensitive stretchable microsensors by integrating laser direct writing and transfer printing approaches. The copper electrode was reduced from copper salt using laser writing rather than the general approach of printing with pre-synthesized copper or copper oxide nanoparticles. An electrical resistivity of 96 l X cm was achieved on 40-lm-thick Cu electrodes on flexible substrates. The motion sensing functionality successfully demonstrated a high sensitivity and mechanical robustness.This in situ fabrication method leads to a path toward electronic devices on flexible substrates.

fFabrication of three-dimensional proteinaceous micro- and nano-structures by femtosecond laser cross-linking

Proteins are a class of biomaterials having a vast array of functions, including the catalysis of metabolic reactions, DNA replication, stimuli response and transportation of molecules. Recent progress in laser-based fabrication technologies has enabled the formation of three-dimensional （3D） proteinaceous micro- and nano-structures by femtosecond laser cross-linking, which has expanded the possible applications of proteins. This article reviews the current knowledge andrecent advancements in the femtosecond laser cross-linking of proteins. An overview of previous studies related to fabri-cation using a variety of proteins and detailed discussions of the associated mechanisms are provided. In addition, ad-vances and applications utilizing specific protein functions are introduced. This review thus provides a valuable summaryof the 3D micro- and nano-fabrication of proteins for biological and medical applications.

Diffractive photonic applications mediated by laser reduced graphene oxides

Modification of reduced graphene oxide in a controllable manner provides a promising material platform for producinggraphene based devices. Its fusion with direct laser writing methods has enabled cost-effective and scalable production for advanced applications based on tailored optical and electronic properties in the conductivity, the fluorescence and the refractive index during the reduction process. This mini-review summarizes the state-of-the-art status of the mechanisms of reduction of graphene oxides by direct laser writing techniques as well as appealing optical diffractive applications including planar lenses, information storage and holographic displays. Owing to its versatility and up-scalability, the laser reduction method holds enormous potentials for graphene based diffractive photonic devices with diverse functionalities.