3D Printing of Switchable Smart Lenses

Abstract

This research explores the utilization of vat photopolymerization (VPP) in additive manufacturing (AM) to produce 3D-printed smart Fresnel lenses (FL) with photochromic characteristics. By employing optimized digital light processing (DLP) VPP 3D printing methods, these FLs were designed with exceptional optical quality and precise dimensions. Photochromic powders were incorporated to allow for dynamic changes in colour under UV light exposure. Optical evaluations of the lenses in both their activated and non-activated states revealed their superior ability to block UV and blue light when not activated. Upon exposure to UV light, the lenses quickly darken and begin to absorb parts of the visible light spectrum. The extent of absorption and the specific colour changes are determined by the type of photochromic material used. These lenses showed minimal errors in focal length, demonstrating high accuracy and UV sensitivity at low material concentrations. The study highlights the lenses' precision, UV responsiveness, ability to filter blue light, and their configurability and stability after multiple UV exposure cycles. These findings underscore the potential of 3D printing in developing smart optical devices tailored for applications that demand dynamic light modulation, UV filtering, and highlighting a combination of innovative manufacturing techniques and functional optics.

Date of Award	1 May 2024
Original language	American English
Supervisor	HAIDER BUTT (Supervisor)