Two-dimensional slicing method to speed up the fabrication of micro-objects based on two-photon polymerization

Abstract

Generally, a layer-by-layer method along one specific direction (two-and-half-dimensional method) is used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) microstructures. Ultrathin layers and long processing times are necessary to obtain smooth surfaces in near flat regions of microstructures. In their approach, the authors slice these nearly flat areas along another slicing direction to produce the scanning paths of the laser beam. Several examples, including a microdragon, have been produced to validate that this real 3D method can generate micro-objects with a good balance between surface accuracy and processing efficiency.