研究目的
To demonstrate a novel method for rapid prototyping of metalized poly-methacrylate off-axis parabolic mirrors using additive manufacturing for terahertz imaging applications, providing a low-cost alternative to commercially available optics.
研究成果
The metalized poly-methacrylate off-axis paraboloid fabricated via stereolithographic 3D printing and sputtering exhibits nearly identical spatial beam profile to a commercially available mirror at 530 GHz, demonstrating its viability as a low-cost, rapid prototyping alternative for custom THz optical components. This approach enables faster development of application-specific imaging modalities.
研究不足
The surface roughness of the 3D printed mirror (Ra=4 μm, Rq=5 μm) is coarser than the commercial equivalent, which may limit performance at higher frequencies or finer resolutions. The method is demonstrated at 530 GHz, and applicability across the full THz range (290 GHz to 4.5 THz) is not fully validated. Out-gassing from materials could affect vacuum deposition processes.
1：Experimental Design and Method Selection:
The study involves designing and fabricating an off-axis parabolic mirror using stereolithographic 3D printing with castable resin, followed by metalization via magnetron sputtering. The performance is compared to a commercially available equivalent mirror.
2：Sample Selection and Data Sources:
A commercially available off-axis parabolic reflector (76.2-mm diameter, 228.6-mm reflected focal length, 114.3-mm parent focal length) is used as a reference. The prototype is designed to be identical in form factor.
3：2-mm diameter, 6-mm reflected focal length, 3-mm parent focal length) is used as a reference. The prototype is designed to be identical in form factor.
List of Experimental Equipment and Materials:
3. List of Experimental Equipment and Materials: Includes a desktop 3D printer (Form 2, Formlabs Inc.), castable resin, sputtering system (ATC 1800-F, AJA Inc.), gold and NiCr targets, isopropyl alcohol, tactile profilometer (LD 260, Mahr Inc.), THz camera (MICROXCAM-340I, Institut National d'Optique), far-infrared laser source (SI-FIR, Coherent Inc.), and Ophir thermopile detector.
4：Experimental Procedures and Operational Workflow:
The STL file is designed in Solidworks, printed at 25 μm resolution, rinsed and dried, support material removed, post-baked, and metalized with NiCr and gold coatings. Surface quality is measured, and beam profiles are imaged using a THz camera setup with alignment and power measurements.
5：Data Analysis Methods:
Surface roughness parameters (Ra and Rq) are measured using a profilometer. Beam profiles are compared visually and through cross-sectional intensity plots, with intensity data collected using a thermopile detector.
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