| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2024)
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| Symposium
|
2024 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2024)
|
| Presentation Title |
Innovative Approaches to Fabricate Terahertz Optics with Additive Manufacturing: Manufacture and THz Characterisation of a Silica-Filled Photopolymer |
| Author(s) |
Luke Phillips, Alexander Valavanis, Andrew Burnett, Robert Kay, Russell Harris, Ehab Saleh |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Luke Phillips |
| Abstract Scope |
Due to the increasing demand for terahertz optics in medical imaging, communication and spectroscopy systems, research into using Additive Manufacturing (AM) to manufacture THz optics is rapidly expanding. However, conventional AM feedstock materials are often absorptive in the THz band, with the absorption coefficient of commercially available photopolymers ranging from 19-27cm-1 at 1 THz. Unsuitable for low-loss THz applications, such as refractive THz lenses and waveguides.
Literature had shown silica to be highly transparent in the THz region, therefore a silica-filled photopolymer sample was manufactured using stereolithography. The sample was then characterised from 1-4 THz using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy.
The results were promising, with the composite having a lower absorption coefficient (10.71 cm-1) and a higher refractive index (1.72) at 1 THz than standard photopolymers. This work demonstrates that AM-produced ceramic-filled photopolymers could offer unique spectral properties in the THz band desirable for THz optics. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |