Laser printing of azo-derivative thin films for non-linear optical applications

• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.11.022
• Publication Date: 2014-11-16T20:33:36Z
• Authors: Andreea Matei; Catalin Constanti...; Bogdana Mitu; Mihaela Filipescu; Valentin Ion; Iulian Ionita; Simona Brajnicov; Anne-Patricia All...; Philippe Delaporte; Ana Emandi; Maria Dinescu
• Keywords: [SPI.OPTI] Engineering Sciences [physics]/Optics / Photonic; [SPI.OPTI]Engineering Sciences [physics]/Optics / Photonic; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

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.