Laser-assisted morphing of complex three dimensional objects

Abstract

Morphing commonly refers to the smooth transition from a specific shape into another one, in which the initial and final shapes can be significantly different. In this study, we show that the concept of morphing applied to laser micro-manufacturing offers an opportunity to change the topology of an initial shape, and to turn it into something more complex, like for instance for creating self-sealed cavities. Such cavities could be filled with various gases, while also achieving an optical surface quality since being shaped by surface tension. Furthermore, we demonstrate that laser morphing can be accurately modelled and predicted. Finally, we illustrate the possible use of 'laser-morphed' shape to achieve high-quality resonators that can find applications, for instance, in ultra-small quantities molecules label-free detection through whispering gallery mode resonances.GALATE