Two-photon polymerization process for optically driven micromachines

Exposure of optically curing resin with highly focussed femtosecond laser pulses provides excellent means to produce high resolution micron sized structures. We use the process to fabricate micromechanical components for lab-on-a-chip applications. We present here our experimental realization of the microscope system used for photopolymerization and detail the advantage of our fabrication process. We characterize our structures using scanning electron microscopy, and compare the results with available data. We demonstrate the technique by manufacturing a movable joint and a free floating cross which is three dimensionally trapped. Future applications of this technique will focus on developing optically driven motors and an all optical measurement of applied torques.