Gradient-index volume holograms by 2-photon polymerization

Abstract

Advancements in 3D printing, specifically by 2-photon polymerization, enabled the fabrication of high resolution novel optical elements for various applications by engineering the topography of the structures. Recently, the ability to obtain a varying refractive index distribution by 2-photon polymerization also started to gain momentum to design and produce gradient-index (GRIN) micro-optics. Here, we demonstrate micro-scale volume holograms by 2-photon polymerization by tuning the exposure point by point in the 3D volume to obtain the necessary refractive index distribution. 3D printed micro-scale GRIN volume holograms lay an opportunity to open a complimentary dimension in various systems thanks to in-situ fabrication advantage, which can provide complex interconnections and beam shaping in micro-scale.