Research Area B: Technologies
Research Area B works on the technology of converting digital representations into 3D nanostructures (Sub-Area B1) and converting 3D nanostructures into digital representations (Sub-Area B2).
A 3D printer can be seen as a direct converter of a digital representation of a 3D nanostructure or device “blueprint” into corresponding physical reality. The general aim is to make 3D printing faster, finer in terms of minimum feature size, and enable more dissimilar constituent materials. To this end, Sub-Area B1 closely collaborates with Research Area A. Massively parallel holographic versions of 3D printing are pursued in LP1. A challenge comparable to 3D printing lies in characterizing large volumetric 3D nanostructures, i.e., convert reality back to a 3D digital representation. Sub-Area B2 pursues a multimodal approach based on optical tomography, X-ray tomography, and electron microscopy/tomography.
3D Additive Manufacturing (B1)
Based on advanced inks from Research Area A, Sub-Area B1 aims at advancing 3D laser nanoprinting, ink-jet printing, and hybrid modalities. The goal is to enable 3D printing of previously inaccessible organic and inorganic materials, reduce minimum voxel sizes, and increase print speed. The ultimate print speed should be reached in massively parallel holographic approaches (cf. LP1).
Related Lighthouse Projects:
3D Characterization (B2)
Most characterization approaches with sub-µm resolution have targeted surfaces (2D). Sub-Area B2 aims at going beyond that and characterize relevant 3D nanostructures emerging from state-of-the-art 3D printers in Sub-Area B1 and Research Area C. This generally requires tomographic approaches, ideally in a multimodal spirit.
Related Lighthouse Projects: