Nanoscribe presents a new, revolutionary machine for 3D microprinting on optical fibers

Nanoscribe, the creator of the 2PP (Two-Photon Polymerization) 3D printing technology, announced the launch of a new 3D printer – Quantum X align. It is a high precision micro 3D printer capable of printing micro-optical elements of any shape directly onto optical fibers and photonic systems. The device has just had its premiere at the Photonics West 2022 fair in San Francisco, USA.

Nanoscribe was founded in 2007 as a spin-off of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In June 2021, the company was acquired by BICO Group (formerly CELLINK) in a transaction worth EUR 50 million. With over 3,000 customers in universities, research institutions and industrial companies around the world, Nanoscribe has made a name for itself in the microprint space. The company’s product portfolio continues to grow and now includes the Quantum X, Quantum X shape, Quantum X bio and Photonic Professional GT2 models. To enable applications in microfluidics and micro-optics, Nanoscribe also offers its own range of specialty resins. These include the IP Photoresin series for photopolymer parts and GP-Silica material for silica glass microstructures.

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) can significantly accelerate the computing power of today’s microelectronics while lowering energy consumption. Unfortunately, the production of PIC devices requires the tedious placement and active positioning of various micro-optical components in order to create nano-connections. The latest Nanoscribe machine aims to solve this problem.

Quantum X align automatically detects optical interfaces and spatial orientations of photonic chips and fiber cores, enabling 3D printing of micro-optics of any shape directly on site. The system even takes account of component slope, eliminating the need for manual alignment, which is often a costly procedure. Nanoscribe claims the machine can achieve 100nm alignment accuracy in all spatial dimensions.

With a relatively large 50 x 50mm print area, Quantum X align is versatile in its applications. The system’s capabilities make it a well-suited fit for everything from microfluidics and sensor systems to miniaturized medical devices to procedures such as minimally invasive endoscopy.

Source: press release Nanoscribe