3D fabrication and characterization of polymer-imprinted optics for function-integrated, lightweight optomechanical systems

authored by

Fabian Kranert, Jana Budde, Moritz Hinkelmann, Jörg Neumann, Dietmar Kracht, Roland Lachmayer

Abstract

Nowadays, customized optomechanics for complex optical setups are increasingly manufactured additively using the polymer-based process of fused filament fabrication. In this article, a kinematic polymer mirror holder is demonstrated, in which the mirror is imprinted and thus fixed against misalignment. Furthermore, the necessary spring system and ball joint are manufactured in a single printing process. This mirror holder can then be embedded into an also printed cage system. Mirror mounts made of different polymers are examined and compared with each other. The mechanical stress induced into the imprinted optic is determined. Regarding the 3D-printed spring system, the angular alignment range as well as the load limits are defined. The reproducibility of the mirror's angular position and the long-term stability together with the influence of thermal cycling is determined. The results will be compared with a conventional, subtractive manufactured metallic optomechanic.

Organisation(s)

Institute of Motion Engineering and Mechanism Design
PhoenixD: Photonics, Optics, and Engineering - Innovation Across Disciplines

External Organisation(s)

Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH)

Type

Article

Journal

Journal of Laser Applications

Volume

33

ISSN

1042-346X

Publication date

01.11.2021

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials, Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics, Biomedical Engineering, Instrumentation

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0000492 (Access: Closed)