Laser printing of azo-derivative thin films for non-linear optical applications
Résumé
The use of laser-based processing is presented here for the transfer of azo-derivatives, for optoelectronics assembly applications. Laser-printing techniques are also adequate tools for rapid prototyping of diverse materials, since they avoid the usage of solutions, moulds, lithography masks, etc. Here, we present a study on the laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) and printing of micrometric-sized pixels (350 mu m x 350 mu m), by using matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) deposited thin film donors. Due to their particular optical properties, i.e. second harmonic generation, optical limiting and all-optical poling, and with applications in optoelectronics and sensor development, azo-dyes have been intensively studied in bulk or as thin films. The influence of a metallic dynamic release layer (DRL) during LIFT is investigated. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.