3D printing of optical materials by processes based on photopolymerization: materials, technologies, and recent advances

3D printing technologies have expanded beyond the research laboratories where they were used solely for prototyping and have become widely used in several industries. The production of custom 3D objects has significant potential in optical applications. However, this necessitates extremely specific material properties, such as transparency, homogeneity, birefringence, and surface finish. Currently, the majority of optical objects are manufactured using plastics. Moreover, the 3D printing processes using polymers to produce optical objects have significant advantages, such as limited wastage, short manufacturing time, and easy customization. However, despite extensive efforts, no technology has achieved the production of objects perfectly suited for optical applications. The objective of this review is to summarize recent advances in the field of 3D printing for optics, with an emphasis on specific developments for dedicated applications, and to explore new candidate processes. (C) 2022 Chinese Laser Press

Automated summary

3D printing technologies have significant potential in optical applications, but there is still a need for materials and processes that are perfectly suited for these applications.