Abstract Scope |
Spatial light modulators that use liquid crystal devices (LCDs) to pattern ultraviolet light for vat polymerization suffer from a few limitations: limited range of wavelengths that can be patterned, low damage threshold for incoming light, and low efficiency of light transmission. A monochrome LCD can more efficiently transmit useful wavelengths of light for stereolithography (365-405nm) than a color LCD, but it still contains two absorptive film polarizers that suffer from previously mentioned limitations. Wire grid polarizers reflect rather than absorb the blocked polarizations of light, resulting in a higher intensity damage threshold. They can also polarize lower wavelength light that is only limited by the wire pitch. This research studies the effects of replacing an LCD’s film polarizers with wire grid polarizers to allow for the polarization and patterning of high intensity UV light, resulting in shorter curing times and the ability to print a wider range of stereolithography feedstocks. |