Patent ID: 8315499
Filing Date: 2012-11-20
Classification: B33Y,G02B,G03F

Abstract:
1. A method for forming a functionally-graded three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure, the method comprising: securing a volume of photo-monomer; exposing the volume of photo-monomer to a first three-dimensional light pattern and a second three-dimensional light pattern differing from the first three-dimensional light pattern, wherein the first three-dimensional light pattern and the second three-dimensional light pattern are exposed on opposite exposure surfaces of the volume of photo-monomer, wherein the first three-dimensional light pattern creates a first three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides in the volume of photo-monomer, wherein the second three-dimensional light pattern creates a second three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides in the volume of photo-monomer, and wherein an exposure energy of each of the light patterns is sufficient to at least connect the first three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides to the second three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides; and removing any uncured photo-monomer to leave behind the functionally-graded three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure.