English

New research on achieving femtosecond laser machining of multi joint micromachines

1100
2023-09-15 14:06:09
See translation

The team of Wu Dong, professor of the Micro/Nano Engineering Laboratory of University of Science and Technology of China, proposed a processing strategy of femtosecond laser two in one writing into multiple materials, manufactured a micromechanical joint composed of temperature sensitive hydrogel and metal nanoparticles, and then developed a multi joint humanoid micromachine with multiple deformation modes (>10). The relevant research results were recently published in Nature Communications.

In recent years, femtosecond laser two-photon polymerization technology has been widely used as a true three-dimensional machining method with nano precision to manufacture various functional microstructures. These microstructures exhibit broad application prospects in fields such as micro nano optics, micro sensors, and micro machine systems. However, it is still highly challenging to utilize femtosecond lasers to achieve composite multi material processing and further construct multimodal micro/nano machinery.

Femtosecond laser two in one processing strategy includes the use of asymmetric two-photon polymerization to build hydrogel joints, and laser reduction deposition of silver nanoparticles in the local area of the joint. Among them, the asymmetric photopolymerization technology makes the cross-linking density of the local area of the hydrogel micro joint produce anisotropy, and finally enables it to realize the bending deformation with controllable direction and angle.

In situ laser reduction deposition can accurately process silver nanoparticles on hydrogel joints. These silver nanoparticles have a strong photothermal conversion effect, which enables the mode switching of multi joint micromachines to exhibit excellent characteristics such as ultra-short response time (30 milliseconds) and ultra-low driving power (<10 milliwatts).

As a typical example, 8 micro joints are integrated into a humanoid micromachine. Subsequently, researchers utilized spatial light modulation technology to achieve multifocal beams in 3D space, thereby accurately stimulating each micro joint. The collaborative deformation between multiple joints promotes the completion of multiple reconfigurable deformation modes in humanoid micro robotic arms. Finally, at the micrometer scale, humanoid micromachines "danced".

In concept validation, by designing the distribution and deformation direction of micro joints, a dual joint micro robotic arm can collect multiple micro particles in the same and opposite directions. In summary, the femtosecond laser two in one machining strategy can construct deformable micro joints in various local areas of three-dimensional microstructures, achieving various reconfigurable deformation modes.
Researchers have introduced that micro robotic arms with multiple deformation modes will exhibit broad application prospects in micro cargo collection, microfluidic manipulation, and cell manipulation.

Source: Micro and Nano Engineering Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China

Related Recommendations
  • UCI Cinemas collaborates with The Marvels to launch its new 4K laser projector

    Cinemas are in a developmental stage. Their roles are changing and the rules are being rewritten. Many people have proposed a way to make cinemas a truly unique place by providing audiences with a higher quality experience. It is along this route that UCI Cinemas continues to move forward. In recent days, it has officially launched a 4K laser projector and had a special date with the new MCU movie...

    2023-11-14
    See translation
  • Scientists have used 3D integration technology to bring ultra-low noise lasers without isolators to silicon photonics

    After electronic integrated circuits (Eics), silicon (Si) photonics technology is expected to achieve photonic integrated circuits (PIC) with high density, advanced functions and portability. Although various silicon photonics fountifiers are rapidly developing PIC capabilities to enable mass production of modulators, photodetectors and, more recently, lasers, silicon PIC has not yet met the strin...

    2023-08-04
    See translation
  • AEROTECH releases updated AUTOMATION1 motion control platform

    Aerotech is a global leader in precision motion control and automation, and every release has made the Automation1 motion control platform even stronger and more user-friendly. Version 2.5 brings TCP socket interface (test version), Automation1 MachineApps HMI development, new auxiliary module for motor settings, and improved machine settings for galvanometer laser scanning heads.Automation1 conti...

    2023-08-14
    See translation
  • Nature Photonics reports a new type of nonlinear optical crystal - all band phase matched crystal

    Short wave ultraviolet all solid-state coherent light sources have the characteristics of strong photon energy, practicality and precision, and high spectral resolution. They have significant application value in laser precision processing, information communication, cutting-edge science, and aerospace fields.The core component of obtaining all solid-state shortwave ultraviolet lasers is nonlinear...

    2023-10-07
    See translation
  • Developing a concentration independent pressure sensing method for high-temperature combustion diagnosis

    Recently, a research group led by Professor Gao Xiaoming and Professor Liu Kun of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences developed a concentration independent pressure sensing method based on two-color laser absorption spectrum for high-temperature combustion diagnosis.The research findings are published in Optics Letters.Aircraft engines are developing towards high-t...

    2024-03-08
    See translation