Three-dimensional fabrication of metallic nanostructures over large areas by two-photon polymerization.

An experimental protocol for the realization of three-dimensional periodic metallic micro/nanostructures over large areas is presented. Simultaneous fabrication of hundreds of three-dimensional complex polymer structures is achieved using a two-photon photopolymerization (TPP) technique combined with a microlens array. Metallization of the structures is performed through the deposition of thin and highly conductive films by electroless plating. A chemical modification of the photopolymerizable resin and the production of a hydrophobic coating on the glass surface supporting the structures are realized. This process prevents metal deposition on the substrate and restricts adhesion on polymer. Our technique can produce periodic and/or isolated metallic structures with arbitrary shape, created by more than 700 individual objects written in parallel.