A two-photon-polymerization 3D printer to fabricate 3D configurations with sub-micron resolution

• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: Funded in 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 574699183

We request funding for a high-resolution 3D printer based on the two-photon polymerization (2PP) effect. The system should be capable of fabricating complex three-dimensional structures with sub-micron feature sizes, spanning overall dimensions from 10 μm up to 1 mm in both width and height. The instrument is intended to support a wide range of research fields, spanning from experimental physics (nanooptics and plasma physics) to engineering (acousto-optics and sensing technologies). In nanooptics, we aim to realize advanced 3D photonic structures to control and enhance light–matter interactions. These structures will be used in electron microscopy chambers as well as in photoluminescence and optical spectroscopy setups. Specific applications include: (i) 3D electron-driven photon sources to enable phase-matched electron–photon interactions for emission of tailored radiation such as collimated or vortex light; (ii) 3D photonic cavities and photonic crystals for enhancing light coupling from single-photon emitters; (iii) integrated micro-optics to improve collection efficiencies in cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence spectroscopy. In microsystem techniques, the printer will be used to develop hybrid mechanical and optical microstructures that can be directly written onto MEMS and MOEMS devices. Applications include the fabrication of focusing lenses and grating couplers for integrated photonic systems, photonic packaging, and complex 3D micro-optics with high aspect ratios for MOEMS or qubit readout and preparation. In biosensing, we are developing integrated micro-/nanofluidic systems for the detection and characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs), relevant to breast cancer diagnostics. The 3D printer will be instrumental in fabricating separation structures, surfaceome analysis platforms, and lab-on-chip devices combining fluidics with optical and magnetic detection schemes. In parallel, we plan to apply 2PP for environmental monitoring, specifically for nutrient sensing in soils, using nanostructured organic photodetectors integrated with microfluidic sampling. In plasma physics, the printer will support the fabrication of 3D-structured plasma-catalyst reactors and components for low-temperature plasma experiments. These include centimeter-scale scaffolds with micrometer resolution, essential for optimizing plasma–surface interactions. Additionally, in dusty plasma and astrophysical research, we will use the printer to fabricate well-defined, non-spherical microparticles (e.g., ellipsoids), allowing precise studies of charging dynamics and magnetic alignment in plasma traps—an important step toward simulating conditions in star-forming regions. In summary, the requested 3D printer with sub-micron resolution and multi-scale fabrication capabilities is a key enabling tool for multiple high-impact research areas. The proposed system is critical to advancing our efforts across photonics, biosensing, plasma catalysis, and beyond.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: 3D-Drucker mit Zwei-Photonen-Polymerisation zur Erzeugung von 3D-Strukturen in Submikrometergröße
• Instrumentation Group: 0910 Geräte für Ionenimplantation und Halbleiterdotierung
• Applicant Institution: Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Nahid Talebi