High-throughput 3D Nanofabrication for Optics and Photonics

Photonics Society

Speaker: Dr. Amos Meeks

Irradiant seeks to unlock the full potential of truly 3D optics and nanophotonics. We achieve this through two fundamental innovations: first, by using two-photon lithography to pattern material within a 3D nanoporous scaffold, we are able to pattern arbitrary 3D gradients of refractive index with index contrast up to 0.6 with <50 nm features. Second, we have achieved two-photon lithography throughputs thousands of times faster than existing systems through a combination of novel two-photon chemistries and a line-scanning DLP configuration.  This ultra-high throughput facilitates the cost-effective manufacturing of parts at volumes exceeding millions per year. This enables the same platform to be used for small-scale prototyping and testing through to high-volume manufacturing. To date we have fabricated several novel demonstrations of 3D devices that could not otherwise be made, including multi-layered metalenses, nanoscale free space optics, and more. In addition to passive dielectric materials, we have also demonstrated nanoscale patterning of conductors, quantum dots, and biomolecules, paving the way for future applications in more active and advanced applications.

Bio: Amos Meeks is the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Irradiant Technologies, where he works to commercialize a cutting-edge process for patterning large refractive index gradients in complex 3D geometries with nanoscale resolution. In 2021 he received a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University in the lab of Joanna Aizenberg, where he conducted research on light-responsive hydrogels as nonlinear optical materials. He received a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Olin College. His other experiences span a wide range of entrepreneurship, engineering, and materials science.

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