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. 2024 Dec 24;10(1):1440-1447.
doi: 10.1021/acsomega.4c09152. eCollection 2025 Jan 14.

Nonlinear Refraction and Absorption in Polymers Used for Femtosecond Direct Laser Writing

Renan Cunha  1 , João V P Valverde  1 , Leonardo De Boni  1 , Lino Misoguti  1 , Cleber Renato Mendonça  1
Affiliations

Nonlinear Refraction and Absorption in Polymers Used for Femtosecond Direct Laser Writing

Renan Cunha et al. ACS Omega. .

Abstract

Direct laser writing (DLW) has been recognized as a unique technique for three-dimensional (3D) prototyping with resolution beyond the diffraction limit. One trend in DLW technologies is the use of polymers, given their favorable mechanical properties and optical quality, rendering them promising for the next generation of nonlinear photonic devices. However, absorptive properties that facilitate DLW processes may also hinder the performance of polymers as all-optical devices. Furthermore, the increasing use of ultrashort pulse lasers makes refractive index dispersion a factor of fundamental importance in studying candidate materials for broadband applications. Here, we study the suitability of resins commonly used in DLW for all-optical broadband applications. We provide linear and nonlinear refractive and absorptive spectra of acrylate-based resins with different compositions, and IP-S and IP-Dip from Nanoscribe. We found nonlinear refractive indices four times higher than reported values for fused silica, one of the most widely used photonic materials, and we evaluate the potential of these materials using group velocity dispersion and figures of merits as comparative metrics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Experimental setup for accurate measurements of the NER angle. The Polarizer and the quarter-wave plate (λ/4) prepare elliptical polarization states. Two objective lenses focus and collimate the beam interacting with the sample moving in a Translation Stage. The Rotating Polarizer, the photodiode (PD), the dual-phase lock-in amplifier (LIA), and the oscilloscope (OSC) constitute the detection that produces the representative NER spectrum seen in the computer screen and in Figure 4.
Figure 2
Figure 2
UV–vis absorption spectra of completely photopolymerized samples (a) SR4, (b) IP-S, and (c) IP-Dip.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Linear refractive index as a function of the wavelength (open circles) for sample SR4. The red line corresponds to the Sellmeier fit.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Nonlinear refractive spectra. Nonlinear refraction spectra of all samples determined by NER. Inset: NER curve for SR3 at 800 nm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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