Multiphoton polymerisation (MPP) is a powerful new technology for high-resolution fabrication of polymer structures. Any material that can be selectively polymerised or crosslinked by exposure to UV light is suitable for this process, while other polymers/oligomers/monomers can be made suitable by the addition of a photo-initiator. The polymerisation reaction is started by multiphoton absorption at the focal point of a green ultrafast laser beam. Complex paths can be traced through a liquid or gel in 3D and then the unexposed solution is washed away, leaving a solid structure.

This capability has been developed on our femtosecond laser system. We can structure materials such as acrylate based polymers, ORMOCERs (organically modified ceramics) and biomaterials such as hydrogels. We also have access to novel polymers under development in partner research groups in the University.

Application Areas

Medical devices: tissue scaffolds, miniature biodevices and implants
Micro-fluidics: lab-on-a-chip systems, development of substances
Photonics: waveguides, photonic crystals, diffractive optics
Micro-electronics: Integrated circuits, touch screens, flat panel displays
Micro-optics: micro optical devices, integrated optics, microlens arrays 
Nano- and Microtechnology: mask manufacturing, self-cleaning and hydrophobic surface coatings

 2D polymer grid with 3 µm pitch

3D 20 µm x 20 µm polymer chimney 

3D chimney with 4 µm voxel depth