Image Processing for the Analysis and Optimization of 2PP Additive Manufactured Microstructures

General Atomics' Inertial Fusion Technologies (IFT) division employs a specific AM method known as two-photon-polymerization (2PP), among other techniques, in its target manufacturing activities. In 2PP, focused, ultrashort laser pulses are directed into a volume of photosensitive material or photoresist. Currently, the 2PP additive manufacturing process provides unique opportunities to create geometries that are unavailable to alternative fabrication techniques. However, further development of modeling and metrology techniques is needed for full utilization of the extensive capabilities that the 2PP print process allows. The goal of this work is to develop part measuring and model scaling techniques in order to achieve higher geometric tolerances as well as develop modeling and metrology techniques to fabricate and characterize parts with internal density gradients.