Project Miliquant: Nanoscribe Participates in Collaboration Using 3D Printing in Quantum Technology Research

Nanoscribe has been impressing us at the micro- and nano-level for years now in 3D printing, from their work with plasmonics to micro-optics and many other projects related to industrial microfabrication. Now, the German manufacturer is developing miniaturized, frequency- and power-stable diode lasers with other industry leaders, to include:

• Q.ant
• Zeiss
• Bosch
• Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz
• University Paderborn

The group has come together for the three-year Miliquant project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (abbreviated as BMBF for the German Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung). This is meant to be a technological and innovative forum where the 3D printed components for light sources that the companies involved create will be used in quantum technology innovation, suitable for applications like medical diagnostics, autonomous driving, and imaging procedures like infrared microscopy of cells.

Model of a microlens directly printed onto the facet of a laser chip. (Image: Nanoscribe)

Their goal is to work on multiple experiments in the lab for developing sensors and imaging systems primarily for industrial use. Complex research and development efforts will be required to develop robust components—along with new approaches for assembly and manufacturing—leading to the assembly of such a dynamic group that will work together with a common goal.

“With our 3D printers, high-precision micro-optical components can be produced in shortest time with submicrometer resolution and enormous design freedom,” said Dr. Michael Thiel, Chief Science Officer at Nanoscribe. “We are happy to contribute our profound know-how to the MiLiQuant project for the further development of packaging technologies.”

Using two-photon polymerization (2PP), the Nanoscribe team can 3D print parts and prototypes with exceptionally high performance and accuracy, and complex optical designs can be fabricated directly on components like laser facets, glass fibers, and microchips.

“The printed structures achieve an optical quality with surface roughness in the range of a few nanometers,” states the Nanoscribe team in their most recent press release regarding the multi-collaboration for their latest venture. “In the MiLiQuant project, the printed components will be assembled with other elements into a compact package.”

Nanoscribe has been contributing to the world of technology since 2007, born from a team of researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) determined to transform the budding science of microfabrication. Delving into what was originally an extremely niche realm of research, they began expanding the study of two-photon polymerization (2PP)—and setting the foundation for the German-headquartered Nanoscribe into motion.

As the budding technological team saw the vast potential for 2PP-based 3D printers and other wares, they made them available to companies around the globe, along with 3D software solutions, 3D printing materials, and a range of accompanying processes to provide comprehensive solutions. Nanoscribe currently employs 60 team members, also operating a subsidiary in Shanghai with future plans or creating one in the US too. Nanoscribe 3D printers are used on the micro-, nano-, and meso-scale for design and fabrication of components used in many different scientific applications today.

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Kick-off meeting of the research project MiLiQuant (Photo credit: Q.ant)