3D printing in Shanghai - huge application potential! Scientists based on high precision
Terahertz (THz) metamaterials have received extensive attention due to their unprecedented ability to effectively modulate THz waves. Because of the microscale characteristic size of THz metamaterial cells, traditional THz metamaterial manufacturing mainly depends on micro nano manufacturing technology. However, such manufacturing usually requires multi-step and time-consuming processes, as well as expensive equipment.
In order to overcome these shortcomings, the researchers of Zhang Liuyang's research group at Xi'an Jiaotong University used projection micro stereo lithography for 3D printing, and then magnetron sputtering to make extra terahertz metamaterials.
The researchers demonstrated the simplicity of the proposed manufacturing technology by taking a three-dimensional THz metamaterial based on a vertical U-ring resonator as a prototype. They used the high-precision micro nano 3D printing device nanoArch S130 (BMF Mofang Precision) to process the model, and then gave the structure functionality by magnetron sputtering deposition of metal film.
The terahertz time-domain spectrum measurement and simulation results show that the 3D print absorber has a nearly uniform narrowband absorption peak at 0.8 THz (up to 96% of the near one absorption). The absorption mechanism was clarified by the researchers through the coupling mode and impedance matching theory and the electromagnetic field distribution at the resonant frequency.
3D printed narrowband absorbers also show great potential in efficient biosensors. In this study, typical lactose and galactose powders were selected as analytes to verify the sensing capability of the vertical U-ring sensor.
It can be estimated that 3D printing provides an easy and simple manufacturing method for terahertz metamaterials, and illustrates its predictable applications in multifunctional design and manufacturing of functional terahertz devices. At present, terahertz technology has been widely used in non-destructive testing, biomedical, high-speed communications, security testing and other fields.
Keywords: 3D printing, potential, scientist, Shanghai 3D printing, light curing, nylon, metal 3D printing
