Large Area, High Resolution Projection Lithography System With Moving Optics
Patent Status
Patent Pending
Brief Description
Current methods for 3D printing high-resolution, large-scale designs often face a trade-off between feature size and build area, limiting the scalability of intricate structures. This invention developed by UC Berkeley researchers addresses this by providing a scanning projection system and related method that enables high-resolution, large-scale 3D printing. The system achieves this by employing an advanced optical train with moving optics to project a final image onto a curable resin located on a projection plane. The optical system includes an illumination device, a collimating lens, a first movable reflection mirror, a movable focusing lens, a second movable reflection mirror, and a movable projection lens. By mounting one or more parts of this system on motion stages, the system can scan and project a final image across a large area while maintaining a fine feature size (e.g., 20 micrometers). This approach offers superior resolution and scalability compared to fixed-optics systems, potentially enabling the fabrication of complex structures for applications previously constrained by size or detail limitations.
Suggested uses
Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices for lab-on-a-chip applications. Creation of Large-Scale Optical Components such as lenses or diffractive elements. Production of High-Resolution Molds and Tooling for micro-replication. Additive Manufacturing of detailed medical implants or prosthetics. Development of Advanced Materials with precisely structured internal geometries (e.g., metamaterials).
Advantages
High Resolution Over Large Area: The scanning capability combined with the sophisticated optical train allows for consistent, high-resolution feature sizes (e.g., 20μm) across a much larger build area than conventional systems. Improved Scalability: The moving optics and scanning method overcome the fundamental size limitations of fixed-optics projection systems, enabling the fabrication of truly large-scale high-resolution parts. Enhanced Fabrication Speed: The projection lithography approach allows for curing an entire cross-sectional layer simultaneously, potentially increasing build speed for large objects compared to point or line-scanning methods. System Flexibility: The movable components provide opportunities for dynamic adjustments and error correction during the printing process.
Related Materials
Contact
- Michael Cohen
- mcohen@berkeley.edu
- tel: View Phone Number.
