Optimization of feature resolution, processing window & structuring time for the two-photon polymerization (2PP) process by the use of novel initiators

Abstract

The two-photon polymerization (2PP) process of acrylate-based formulations has attracted much attention of researchers in the last decade due the high spatial fabrication resolution (~100 nm) of shapes and components below the diffraction limit of the used wavelength. This nonlinear optical method has opened the way for potential "future" applications in the fie ld of micro mechan ical and microoptical devices, 3D optical data storage, polymer-based optical waveguides on integrated circuit boards and the like. The development of optimized two-photon init iators is essential in order to fulfill the challenging requirements on this technique. Therefore, within this paper the synthesis and characterization of a series of quadropolar, cross -conjugated D- -A- -D-based init iators with 1,5- bis(4-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)penta-1,4-diyn-3-one (M3K) as lead structure is presented, subsequently leading to novel highly efficient initiators .