At the Photonics West conference and exhibition, Heidelberg Instruments is presenting the new two-photon polymerisation MPO 100, a multi-user tool that combines both the requirements of 3D lithography with resolutions in the 100 nm range and 3D microprinting with structure heights of over one centimetre, all in one device.
Dr Benedikt Stender of Multiphoton Optics, the subsidiary of Heidelberg Instruments where the development of the MPO 100 was carried out comments: ‘The MPO 100 is a unique tool for microfabrication and achieves the highest resolution among additive manufacturing processes at 100 nanometers. Furthermore, the 1-10-100-1000 capability of the MPO 100 will enable users at universities, R&D institutions, as well as the industry and offer significant advantages for new developments in areas such as micro-optics, microfluidics, and biomedicine.’
In addition to sophisticated algorithms to maximise structure quality, the synchronised scanning system offers the possibility of stitching-free patterning. The MPO 100 is currently the only tool in the market equipped with a flowbox that guarantees temperature stability of up to 0.1°C and thus provides the necessary stability for largescale exposures. Application-specific writing modes enable customer-specific printing requirements and distinguish the MPO 100 as a multi-user tool. The MPO 100 works with a laser wavelength in the green spectral range, which is ideally suited for the 3D structuring of typical photoresists. Furthermore, MPO 100 is optimised to use hybrid polymers (ORMOCERs).
Steffen Diez, COO of Heidelberg Instruments added: ‘With the MPO 100, we have combined the strengths of both companies in one system: Multiphoton Optics’ sophisticated exposure unit for two-photon polymerisation and Heidelberg Instruments’ industrial platform, which guarantees the required stability and meets the necessary industry standards.
‘The capabilities of the MPO 100 are already very popular with our customers, who benefit from the worldwide support from our service organisation and ISO-certified production, from the worldwide support from our service organisation and ISO-certified production.’
