Reda, Francesco (2024) Reprogrammable flat optics from maskless photo-morphing of azopolymers. [Tesi di dottorato]

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Abstract

The inherent limitations of refractive optics, such as bulkiness, limited field of view, and significant size and weight, have prompted a shift toward the development of ultra thin, cost effective optical solutions. The adoption of flat optics is crucial for a wide range of applications, from consumer electronics such as smartphones, wearables, and virtual reality, to specialized fields such as quantum technologies, space exploration, and communication systems. As the technology landscape is expected to shift from electronic to photonic technologies that use light for information processing and data exchange, there is an urgent need for the next generation of flat optical components. These components promise to modulate the light wavefront in dimensions comparable to the wavelength of light. However, conventional manufacturing methods present several challenges, including complex lithographic processes, inefficient use of resources, generation of hazardous waste, and high energy consumption. Maskless lithography on amorphous polymers containing azobenzene molecules is emerging as a groundbreaking alternative. This Thesis presents the development of an azomaterial-based lithography technique for the fabrication of flat diffractive optical elements with reprogrammable light response. The fabrication process is driven by a large scale surface mass transport that occurs in azopolymers under structured light absorption, allowing the direct and all optical inscription of r e configurable optical devices in a single lithographic step. This process enables the fabrication of fully reconfigurable diffraction gratings with varying periodicity and chromatic dispersion, flat lenses with tunable focal lengths at low cost and high quality and pixel free holographic projectors, with efficient and advanced image formation capabilities. This sets the stage for future innovations in optical device fabrication, and provides a sustainable, versatile, and cost effective pathway of prototyping and manufacturing flat optics.

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