Photonics

Fiber optic components for communication systems such as complex optical routing circuits, shuffles and manifolds can potentially be made much more economically using additive fabrication. Combined fiber optic transmission lines, connectors and interconnections can be made by embedding fibers in a metal matrix. Solidica Inc. uses ultrasonic energy to join layers together using a method borrowed from their injection mold rapid tooling technology. Such assemblies could also be useful in fabricating smart materials and other types of composites.

Band-gap structures are periodic arrays of dielectric materials that interact diffractively with electromagnetic radiation at microwave and light wavelengths. These arrays and similar configurations can be used as notch filters, wave guides, cavity oscillators and other components. Additive technologies can be used for making the final devices themselves or as tooling for casting them in another material. As the resolution of additive fabrication improves, it can be expected that devices will be developed that will impact wider areas of the electromagnetic spectrum beyond today's infrared capabilities.