Direct-write graded index materials realized in protein hydrogels

Journal Article · Tue Sep 20 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4963068 · OSTI ID:1325916

Kaehr, Bryan ^[1]; Scrymgeour, David A. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Here, the ability to create optical materials with arbitrary index distributions would prove transformative for optics design and applications. However, current fabrication techniques for graded index (GRIN) materials rely on diffusion profiles and therefore are unable to realize arbitrary distribution GRIN design. Here, we demonstrate the laser direct writing of graded index structures in protein-based hydrogels using multiphoton lithography. We show index changes spanning a range of 10^–2, which is comparable with laser densified glass and polymer systems. Further, we demonstrate the conversion of these written density variation structures into SiO₂, opening up the possibility of transforming GRIN hydrogels to a wide range of material systems.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1325916
• Report Number(s): SAND--2016-9020J; 647348
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 109; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)Copyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English