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Laser Direct Writing (LDW), also known as 3D multi-photon laser lithography of resins, is a promising technique for fabricating complex free-form elements, including micro-optical functional components. Regular organic or hybrid (organic–inorganic) resins are often used, with the latter exhibiting better optical characteristics, as well as having the option to be heat-treated into inorganic glass-like structures particularly useful for resilient micro-optics. This work is a continuation of our SZ2080™ calcination development of micro-optics, specifically studying the Laser-Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT). Such sol–gel-derived glass 3D micro-structures, particularly those that undergo heat treatment, have not been well-characterized in this respect. In this pilot study, we investigated the LIDT using the Series-on-One (S-on-1) protocol of functional micro-lenses produced via LDW and subsequently calcinated. Our results demonstrate that the LIDT can be significantly increased, even multiple times, by this approach, thus enhancing the resilience and usefulness of these free-form micro-optics. This work represents the first investigation in terms of LIDT into the impact of calcination on LDW-produced, sol–gel-derived glass micro-structures and provides important insights for the development of robust micro-optical devices.

Three-dimensional multiphoton laser lithography of hybrid resins has been shown to be a viable tool for producing micro-optical functional components. The use of calcination heat treatment also allows the transformation of such structures from the initial polymer to final glass and glass-ceramic. Although the laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) is an important parameter in characterizing all optics, it was not known for such sol–gel-derived glass microstructures. Here we present the first pilot study regarding this parameter, wherein functional microlenses have been made, damaged and calcinated for the series-on-one protocol. The results point to the fact that the LIDT can be increased significantly, even multiple times, thus expanding the usability of such resilient micro-optics.