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Month: March 2025

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  2. March 2025
VU scientists published in the prestigious Nature Reviews Methods Primers journal

The Laser Nanophotonics Group, led by Prof. Mangirdas Malinauskas (Vilnius University, Faculty of Physics, Laser Research Center), has published an educational article on the theoretical and practical fundamentals of laser-based 3D multiphoton lithography and applied methodologies.

"Nature Reviews Methods Primers” is a prestigious peer-reviewed scientific journal publishing comprehensive methodological guides in a wide range of fields in the natural sciences and engineering (impact factor – 50.1).

This guide has been published in collaboration with the pioneer of two-photon polymerization, Prof. Shoji Maruo (Yokohama University), the esteemed Prof. Georg von Freyman (Kaiserslautern University), and the remarkable Prof. Julia Greer (California Institute of Technology). Among the authors are also Dr. Edvinas Skliutas (Faculty of Physics, alumnus) and Dr. Greta Merkininkaitė (Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, VU). The combined expertise of all authors in the field exceeds 100 years.

What is multiphoton 3D lithography and where is it applied?

Multiphoton 3D lithography is an advanced 3D printing technology that enables the creation of ultra-small and precise micro- and nanostructures that cannot be fabricated using conventional lithography or 3D printing technologies. The technology is based on the laser curing of a special liquid photopolymer (using the absorption of two or more photons). Since this photophysical mechanism takes place only in a very small volume (focal spot), the photochemical reaction (polymerisation) is localised. By scanning the laser beam or moving the sample in three dimensions, complex microstructures of ≈ 100 nm voxels (spatial pixels) are formed with any geometry.

Multiphoton 3D lithography is widely used in various high-tech industries. In biomedicine, it is used for the development of microscopic porous scaffolds for cell growth or implantation structures, advanced cell growth arrays, and localised and controlled-delay drug delivery nanosystems. In optics and photonics, technology enables the fabrication of ultra-precise micro-optical elements and their 3D composite components, such as nanotubes or fibre optic connectors. In microfluidics, it is applied to the fabrication of Lab-on-a-Chip for medical research and analysis. In the electronics industry, multiphoton lithography is enabling the development of next-generation ultra-small sensors and microchips, and in mechanical systems it is enabling the fabrication of micromotors and complex micro-mechanical structures. In other words, the technology is useful where three-dimensional and micro- or nano-parts of different materials are needed.

//ltoptics.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3D-Structures-on-Fiber-Tip-700x438-1.jpg

3D Structures on Fiber Tip. Source: FEMTIKA

The significance of the publication for science and industry

This introductory review covers the best experimental practices, widely used analysis methods, relevant applications, and future trends. “Such a publication provides all the necessary information for evaluating, adapting, and implementing the most advanced laser 3D printing method in a laboratory environment. I am sure it will be used as educational material in lectures at VU and outside VU” – says M. Malinauskas. It is expected to accelerate further the development of this technology in scientific laboratories and its adoption in high-tech industries.

Several leading companies working with multiphoton 3D lithography/polymerization and developing laser micromachining workstations in Lithuania – Workshop of Photonics, Femtika, Vital3D Technologies, Akoneer. Close cooperation between scientists and industry accelerates the commercialization of scientific knowledge, which helps increase the sector's competitiveness in the global innovation world. It is expected that further developed cooperation and the insights in the article will contribute to the strengthening of the industry and the creation of new products and services.

Research and studies at Vilnius University

Students at the Faculty of Physics at Vilnius University, at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, can attend lectures and conduct practical work on this topic in the laboratory.

 

 

Multiphoton 3D Lithography: Nat Rev Methods Primers 5, 15 (2025)
https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-025-00386-y

Visual Summary of the Guide:
Multiphoton 3D Lithography | Nature Reviews Methods Primers

Laser Nanophotonics Group Website:
Laser Nanophotonics Group - Faculty of Physics

LinkedIn Profile:
Laser Nanophotonics Group | LinkedIn

Lithuanian lasers in national defence: innovations and future prospects

Lithuania is one of the world leaders in the laser industry and these technologies are increasingly being applied in the military field. Experts point out that lasers can play an essential role in various defense applications, from reconnaissance and target marking to disrupting electronic systems and even developing direct energy weapons.

Lithuania’s position in the laser market

Vytautas Jukna, PhD, Faculty of Physics, Vilnius University, says that Lithuania is already one of the world leaders in laser technology. “Lasers are used in many industrial fields, from materials processing to space research. And the fact that our country’s laser sector is distinguished by its advanced technologies allows us to expand our capabilities in the defense sector as well,” the scientist said.

Currently, around 90% of Lithuanian lasers are exported to international markets, but investment in funding for local companies and research could help Lithuania to gain a stronger foothold in this field. “By developing the laser ecosystem and investing in talent development and new technologies, Lithuania can further expand its role in the global laser industry,” adds Dr Jukna.

Lasers in the defense industry

Andrius Melninkaitis, PhD in Physics and CEO of Lidaris, also sees the potential of lasers in the military field. He believes that the high-quality femtosecond, picosecond, and nanosecond lasers being developed in Lithuania can be used for national defense applications. “Laser technologies open up new opportunities for intelligence, weapon systems, and defense against various threats. For example, lasers can be used as direct-energy weapons capable of neutralizing drones, or as advanced communication systems for transmitting sensitive military information,” explains Dr. Melninkaitis.

Military interest and investment

Technological advances are also encouraging the Lithuanian Armed Forces to seek innovative solutions. The Defence Resources Agency under the Ministry of National Defence notes that lasers are already being used for target marking, electronic jamming, navigation, and information transmission. “Lithuanian laser companies are successfully joining European Defence Fund projects. For example, Altechna Sensing is participating in an initiative to develop a high-power (up to 100 kW) laser weapon,” the agency said.

One of the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ projects is “Laser communication between ships”, which is being developed by the start-up Astrolight together with the Centre for Physical and Technological Sciences. The system could improve communication and enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy.

Despite the great potential of laser technologies, their military applications face challenges. “Laser systems are energy-intensive and sensitive to environmental conditions, so their integration into defense systems needs to be well thought out and continuously improved,” says the Defence Resources Agency.

Future prospects

Lithuania’s growing laser sector and its active participation in international defense projects show that its science and business can become important players in this sector. Investing in talent development and research will not only strengthen national security but also help Lithuania to establish itself as an innovative technology nation.

Source: TV3.lt

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