Semi-Submersible Objective Sealing for Multiphoton Polymerization Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphoton imaging methods face challenges in effectively focusing laser light through scattering and/or absorbing media, leading to incomplete polymerization and the need for post-processing to remove uncured material, especially with high-resolution and large-field-of-view objectives.
Innovation Solution
A semi-submersible microscope objective with a protective element sealing the optical outlet but not the inlet is used, allowing laser light to pass through a minimal scattering or absorbing medium, combined with index-matching fluids to maintain focus and enable direct fabrication of high-resolution parts with reduced post-processing needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional microscope objective is used in multiphoton imaging through scattering and/or absorbing media, then the objective can achieve high magnification, but the laser light cannot be effectively focused leading to incomplete polymerization and requiring post-processing to remove uncured material
Solution Approach 1:
A protective element is introduced as an intermediary component between the microscope objective and the scattering/absorbing medium. This protective element creates a protective barrier that minimizes the interaction between the laser light path and the scattering/absorbing medium, thereby enabling effective laser focusing and complete polymerization without requiring post-processing to remove uncured material.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the protective element zone that isolates the laser path from the scattering medium, and the working zone where polymerization occurs. This segmentation allows the laser to maintain its focusing capability while still achieving the desired polymerization effect in the scattering/absorbing medium.
2Manufacturing precision
If a high numerical aperture objective is used to achieve greater resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the working distance becomes very short requiring oil or water immersion and increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for complex immersion systems. By creating a protective barrier, it allows the use of simpler dry objectives while maintaining the ability to achieve high resolution through the scattering/absorbing medium, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical path parameters by introducing the protective element, which modifies the effective working distance and numerical aperture conditions. This allows high-resolution imaging without requiring the extreme parameters (very short working distance, oil/water immersion) that would otherwise be necessary.
3Area of stationary object
If laser light is directed through a significant amount of scattering and/or absorbing medium, then the field of view can be larger, but the laser light loses intensity leading to incomplete polymerization
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is segmented into an intensity-preserving zone (through the protective element) and a working zone (through the scattering/absorbing medium). This segmentation allows the laser to maintain its intensity by traveling through minimal scattering/absorbing medium, while still achieving a large field of view through the protective element's optical properties.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables high-resolution, large-field-of-view parts with minimal surface finishing, maintaining focus and reducing the need for tiling and stitch lines, while preserving mechanical properties comparable to conventional 3D printing.
Implementation Method 1
directing laser light through the semi-submersible microscope objective and into the liquid medium in an image-wise manner under conditions such that multiphoton absorption by the multiphoton absorber occurs
Implementation Method 2
at least partial polymerization of the polymerizable compound occurs resulting in an article
Implementation Method 3
A transparent portion of the protective element is aligned with the optical outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a multiphoton imaging method. The method includes a) immersing a semi-submersible microscope objective in a liquid medium that is at least one of scattering or absorbing; b) directing laser light through the semi-submersible microscope objective and into the liquid medium in an image-wise manner under conditions such that multiphoton absorption by the multiphoton absorber occurs, and at least partial polymerization of the polymerizable compound occurs resulting in an article; and c) removing uncured polymerizable compound to clean the article. The liquid medium includes a polymerizable compound, a secondary component, and a multiphoton absorber. An article is also provided. The article includes a material defining one or more tortuous or arcuate channels, one or more internal architectural voids, one or more undercuts, one or more perforations, or combinations thereof, at least one of which exhibits a surface roughness of 1.0 micrometer Ra or less.