What is a laser lithography or a two-photon lithography machine?

Although the term “laser lithography” covers a range of machines, the term generally signifies a technique used to expose very thin layers of resist for 2D and 2.5D masks and wafers. This is due to the process of exposing with a solid laser beam. For 2-photon lithography, although also using a laser beam, the exposure volume is only a small bead in the center of the focus spot, therefore making it possible to only expose in this limited volume and retain unexposed areas “above” and “below” this voxel in the laser beam. This makes it possible to create unique, highly precise true 3D structures.

What is two-photon lithography?

2-Photon Polymerization (2PP) or two-photon lithography (2PL or TPL) is built on 2-Photon Absorption (2PA) which is a method to create a small ball of energy that can be used to polymerize a liquid resin and create high-resolution solid polymeric structures.

What are the key advantages of 2PP technology compared to other 3D printing methods?

As it’s a light-based printing method, different microscope objectives can be selected, and therefore different resolutions can be easily selected and modified. Higher resolution offers more than just improved surface roughness and smaller feature sizes; it also enhances shape accuracy and enables significantly tighter tolerance control.

3D Printers

One platform. From nano-features to functional parts.

No two applications are the same, and neither are their manufacturing requirements. Whether you’re advancing academic research, developing micro-optics, improving a medical device component, or refining an industrial process, your printer needs to be flexible. It needs to deliver the resolution, repeatability, material compatibility, speed, and workflow efficiency required to make manufacturing complex microstructures work reliably for your needs.

Based on 2-photon polymerization (2PP) technology, the NanoOne allows for manufacturing of precision components with structural details below 100 nm and macroscopic parts in the centimeter range, empowering users to create parts across a wide range of applications. With modular hardware options to accommodate specific part and custom substrates requirements along with flexible print modes for balancing precision and speed where needed, NanoOne gives users the adaptability needed to support a wide range of research, prototyping, and production workflows.

See THE Nano One in action

Nano One models

Nano One / Red

The entry into the world of 2-photon-based 3D printing with 780 nm wavelength laser platform for classic 2PP applications, combining high precision with flexible performance.

Nano One / Green

With a green wavelength of 515 nm and 400 mW output power* of the laser, built to work with a broader range of standard and transparent materials.

Nano One / Bio

The only 2PP printer with an integrated incubation system, allowing for unparalleled precision in 3D printing of structures in the presence of living cells.

*Power in the sample depends on the selected objective and is lower than the output power of the laser. For further information, ask the UpNano sales team.

Step into the future of 3D printing

NanoOne empowers users across various sectors to create high-resolution microstructured parts tailored to their specific needs, right from the very first batch. This system opens doors in fields ranging from electronics to micro-optics and even biocompatible applications in cell and medical research. Say hello to the future of micro-manufacturing with NanoOne.

Features

Compact and modular benchtop system
Most powerful laser in its class available in 780 nm or 515 nm wavelength
Integrated optical table
Built-in HEPA filter system
Long-range piezo stage
Real-time slicing engine

Proprietary adaptive resolution
Dip-in-free printing process
Powerful, easy to use software
In-chip and in-well printing
Outline mode for surface finish
Unmatched throughput

Contact our experts

Denise Hirner

COO and Co-founder

“In order to meet the industry’s quality and environmental standards, our company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. Quality is our daily commitment. It’s how we consistently provide reliable tools for production that’s built to last.”

The patented UpNano Adaptive Resolution technology significantly enhances throughput by dynamically modifying the voxel size. The laser focal point can be optimized for different printing segments: broadened for bulk areas and finely tuned for outer shells and intricate details. This way, customers can manually customize resolution levels for specific areas and segment components based on their needs. Additionally, the Adaptive Resolution infill mode in the THINK3D software can automatically distinguish between high and low-resolution areas within a selected geometry, automatically adjusting the laser voxel size as needed.

Learn more

In the production of micro and nanoscale components, maintaining a clean working environment with minimal particle levels is crucial. That’s why NanoOne printing systems come equipped with an H14 HEPA filter by default. With the NanoOne, you can maintain clean room class ISO7 standards loading and unloading. During the printing process, the filter system ensures that no particles larger than 0.3 micrometers are detectable. This means achieving low-contamination loading and unloading, and contamination-free printing, all without the need for a dedicated clean room.

The integrated NanoOne autofocus function accurately determines the tilt of the substrate and compensates for it using precision actuators, ensuring the highest platform planarity. Substrate tilt compensation enables the reproducible production of large and/or thin structures with the NanoOne printing system. The substrate tilt compensation insert is compatible with all standard substrates and can also be combined with special holder systems for printing on glass fibers, ferrules, and wafers. Achieve unparalleled planarity and versatility for various printing needs with NanoOne.

Unlock unparalleled precision and performance with Nano One:

Achieve minimal horizontal feature sizes down to <100 nm
Create vertical features down to <190 nm
Attain surface roughness levels ≤10 to 5 nm
Experience unmatched throughput >450 mm³/h
Benefit from industry-ready writing speed ≥1000 mm/s

Utilize an accessible writing area 100 x 120 mm
Print structures up to an incredible height of >40 mm
Enable sterile in-chip and -well printing with living cells
Trust in NanoOne’s industry-proven tolerance and yield

common Application areas

Innovative manufacturing solutions Made in Austria

Having originated in Austria, our company has evolved into a globally recognized provider of high-resolution 3D printing technology, reaffirming our commitment to quality and domestic partnerships. Ensuring quality, reliability, and sustainable production is our top priority, guiding our choices of manufacturing partners and suppliers. All UpNano printing systems are assembled, tested, and shipped directly to our customers worldwide from our headquarters in Vienna.

Multiphoton lithography systems are high-tech equipment designed and manufactured for industrial production, consisting of hundreds of high-performance components. Therefore, in evaluating our suppliers, we prioritize close collaboration and communication to deliver the highest quality “Made in Austria” to our customers.

The heart of our 3D printing platform NanoOne, the femtosecond laser, comes straight from the melting pot of innovation: Silicon Valley

The most compact, powerful, and air-cooled laser enables innovative manufacturing processes and connects us to one of the most innovation-driven countries in the world, the United States of America. It serves as our second home and the location of our branch office in Boston, MA.

ISO 9001 quality management

Implementing ISO 9001 means our company must put effective processes in place and train our staff to deliver flawless products and services to our customers time after time.

Benefits

Process improvement
Customer confidence
Effective complaint resolution
Ongoing optimization

ISO 14001 environmental management systems

ISO 14001 provides a framework for UpNano to continually improve our environmental performance. In an age of heightened environmental consciousness and increasing global challenges, it is important for us to address these pressing concerns.

Benefits

Enhanced environmental performance
Regulatory compliance
Stakeholder and customer trust
Operational excellence

VALIDATED BY SCIENCE, TRUSTED BY EXPERTs.

Is UpNano technology the right solution for your application? We eliminate guesswork by combining peer-reviewed validation of 2-photon polymerization with the reliability of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification. Every UpNano system is rooted in rigorous research and precision engineering “Made in Austria,” delivering the uncompromising quality trusted by leading specialists worldwide.

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explore our other 3D printers models

Nano one / red

Nano one / green

Nano one / bio

Although the term “laser lithography” covers a range of machines, the term generally signifies a technique used to expose very thin layers of resist for 2D and 2.5D masks and wafers. This is due to the process of exposing with a solid laser beam. For 2-photon lithography, although also using a laser beam, the exposure volume is only a small bead in the center of the focus spot, therefore making it possible to only expose in this limited volume and retain unexposed areas “above” and “below” this voxel in the laser beam. This makes it possible to create unique, highly precise true 3D structures.
2-Photon Polymerization (2PP) or two-photon lithography (2PL or TPL) is built on 2-Photon Absorption (2PA) which is a method to create a small ball of energy that can be used to polymerize a liquid resin and create high-resolution solid polymeric structures.
As it’s a light-based printing method, different microscope objectives can be selected, and therefore different resolutions can be easily selected and modified. Higher resolution offers more than just improved surface roughness and smaller feature sizes; it also enhances shape accuracy and enables significantly tighter tolerance control.