Development of high-reflectivity polymer/air-Bragg micromirror structures for nanophotonic applications

Abstract

We report the design, nanofabrication, and characterization of high-quality polymer-based micromirror structures employing the 3D two-photon polymerization lithography technique. Compared to conventional microcavity approaches, our innovative concept provides microstructures, which allow fast prototyping. Moreover, our polymer-based mirrors are cost effective and environmentally sensitive, as well as compatible with a wide range of wavelengths from near-infrared to the telecom C-band. We demonstrate polymer/air distributed Bragg reflectors and full microcavity structures with up to 14 mirror pairs with a target wavelength of 1550 nm and a reflectivity close to 99%. Additionally, our 3D printed micromirrors are reproducible and mechanically stable, and enable hybrid nanophotonic devices based on quantum dots, molecules, or 2D quantum materials as the active medium.