THz optical properties of polymethacrylates after thermal annealing

TL;DR

This study investigates how thermal annealing affects the THz dielectric properties of polymethacrylates used in stereolithography, finding stable optical responses after annealing at moderate temperatures.

Contribution

First to analyze the impact of thermal annealing on the THz optical properties of stereolithography-compatible polymethacrylates.

Findings

Stable THz dielectric response after annealing at 70°C

Maintains optical properties in 650-950 GHz range

Thermal annealing does not degrade THz response

Abstract

Polymer based stereolithographic additive manufacturing has been established for the rapid and low-cost fabrication of THz optical components due to its ability to construct complex 3D geometries with high resolution. For polymer based or integrated optics, thermal annealing processes are often used to optimize material properties. However, despite the growing interest in THz optics fabricated using stereolithography, the effects of thermal annealing on the THz dielectric properties of polymethacrylates compatible with stereolithography has not been studied yet. In this manuscript we report on the THz ellipsometric response of thermally annealed polymethacrylates prepared using UV polymerization. Our findings indicate that the investigated polymethacrylate maintain a stable optical response in THz spectral range from 650 to 950 GHz after thermal annealing at temperatures up to 70 degrees C for several hours.