Abstract: A method for forming a heterogeneous or gradient dielectric-property element comprises: (a) providing a plurality of solution-based feedstocks, each including an organic matrix, wherein at least one of the feedstocks includes a nanoparticle filler dispersed within the organic matrix, the feedstocks comprising a first ink having a first photosensitive entity and one or more additional feedstocks having other photosensitive entities, the first and subsequent feedstocks having at least one different photosensitization absorption band, such that spectrally discrete exposure results in different degrees of curing; (b) providing an electromagnetic (EM) source configured to polymerize one or more of the feedstocks; (c) depositing the feedstocks in a plurality of layers; and (e) curing at least a portion of the plurality of feedstocks, wherein deposition and subsequent curing results in regions where complex dielectric properties are different within or between at least one of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A nanocomposite ink refractive gradient optic with variable focus optic comprising a first optical element, a second optical element, each the optical elements comprised of a cured nanocomposite ink wherein the first and second optical element have a cubic volumetric gradient complex optical index such that when arranged in tandem along an optical axis the optical power varies based on linear translation with respect to another.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an optical ink matrix comprising a UV polymerizable monomer, at least a first multifunctional monomer. The optical ink matrix may further comprise a second multifunctional monomer. The present disclosure further discloses a method of manufacturing non-axially symmetric GRIN lens using 3D printing.

Abstract: A method of additively manufacturing a composite article with tuned impedance and refractive-index in three dimensions. The method includes providing a ferrite feedstock. The ferrite feedstock is loaded with ferrite particles. The method further includes depositing and curing the ferrite feedstock. Therein a composite article is formed.

Abstract: A method of additively manufacturing a composite article with tuned impedance and refractive-index in three dimensions. The method includes providing a ferrite feedstock. The ferrite feedstock is loaded with ferrite particles. The method further includes depositing and curing the ferrite feedstock. Therein a composite article is formed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing a magnetic nanoparticle suitable for additive manufacturing techniques includes providing a solution having a plurality of metallic precursors to produce magnetic nanoparticles, a coordinating solvent, and a chelating agent. The solution is mixed and heated to grow nanoparticles wherein magnetic nanoparticles are formed. The solution is then cooled and a magnetic field is applied to the solution wherein ferrite nanoparticles are at least partially separated by size.

Abstract: An aqueous or organic solvent medium for additive manufacturing technologies comprising a nanocrystal comprising a functional group. The nanocrystal material is selected from a metal oxide, fluoride, metallic, carbon-based, semiconducting quantum dot or combinations thereof. The functional group comprises primary amine, carboxylic acid, lactam ring, polyamide polymer chain or group used to attach a similar functional group.

Abstract: An apparatus with integrated optical waveguides. The apparatus has: a plurality of layers, wherein a conductive pathway is patterned on a surface of at least one of the plurality of layers. The plurality of layers are laminated together. A plurality of nanocomposite-inks, each with a nanofiller dispersed in an organic matrix have optical dispersion different from the other plurality of nanocomposite-ink, form the optical waveguides. The optical waveguides are formed on the surface of, or within, at least one of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A nanocomposite optical-element comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a nanocomposite between the first and the second surface. The nanocomposite comprising of a plurality of refractive-gradients, the plurality of refractive-gradients comprising one or more nanofillers dispersed in a cured organic-matrix. The nanofillers concentration variation determining the plurality of refractive-gradient profiles such that a profile discontinuity exists between any of the plurality of refractive-gradients that are adjacent.

Abstract: A nanocomposite optical device comprising a cured optically transparent nanocomposite ink and a treated conductive nanocomposite-ink. The treated conductive nanocomposite-ink integrated within the nanocomposite structure. The treated nanocomposite-ink having electrical, thermal or both electric and thermal communication to the exterior of the optical device and the same communication with at least a portion of the optically transparent nanocomposite within the optical-device.

Abstract: A nanocomposite optical device comprising a cured optically transparent nanocomposite ink and a treated conductive nanocomposite-ink. The treated conductive nanocomposite-ink integrated within the nanocomposite structure. The treated nanocomposite-ink having electrical, thermal or both electric and thermal communication to the exterior of the optical device and the same communication with at least a portion of the optically transparent nanocomposite within the optical-device.

Abstract: A nonlinear nanocomposite optical-element comprising a nanocomposite comprising one or more optically nonlinear (NLO) nanofillers dispersed in a cured organic-matrix. The NLO nanofillers have a high ?(3) susceptibility relative to a linear nanofiller. The distribution of the NLO nanofiller has a nanofiller gradient that changes based on optical radiation intensity.

Abstract: A composite quantum-dot photodetector comprising a substrate with a colloidally deposited thin film structure forming a photosensitive region, the thin film containing at least one type of a nanocrystal quantum-dot, whereby the nanocrystal quantum dots are spaced by ligands to form a lattice, and the lattice of the quantum dots has an infill material that forms an inorganic matrix that isolates the nanocrystal quantum dots from atmospheric exposure.

Abstract: An optical-dispersion corrected optical-element with a first and a second surface for imaging equal angle quadrilateral focal plane array (FPA). The optical-dispersion element comprises a first nanocomposite-ink with a first nanofiller dispersed in a cured organic-matrix and a second nanocomposite-ink with a second nanofiller dispersed in the cured organic-matrix. Optical-dispersion of the second nanocomposite-ink is different than optical-dispersion of the first nanocomposite-ink. The distribution of the first nanocomposite-ink and second nanocomposite-ink corrects chromatic aberration and creates a refractive gradient that is non-radially symmetric to correct for an image plane array.

Abstract: Optical inks suitable for 3D printing fabrication of gradient refractive index (GRIN) optical components are composed a monomer matrix material doped with ligand-functionalized nanoparticles, wherein the monomer has a viscosity less than 20 cPoise and is UV curable to form a solid polymer. The matrix material doped with the ligand-functionalized nanoparticles has a transmittance of at least 90% in a predetermined optical wavelength range, wherein the ligand functionalized nanoparticles have a size less than 100 nm, are loaded in the monomer matrix material at a volume percent of at least 2%, and alter an index of refraction of the monomer matrix by at least 0.02. The ligand-functionalized nanoparticles have a plurality of ligands attached to a nanoparticle core surface with an anchor functional group and terminated with a buoy functional group that are reactive, non-reactive, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the ligands have a length less than 1.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing nanocomposite-ink, the apparatus comprising, a nanoparticle reservoir, an organic-matrix reservoir, a homogenizer, and a dispenser. The homogenizer combines the nanoparticles and the organic-matrix, dispersing the nanoparticles within the organic-matrix, thereby producing a nanocomposite-ink for dispensement by the dispenser.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a volumetric continuous gradient complex dielectric element with drop-on-demand techniques, such as inkjet printing, by calculating spatial placement of nanocomposite-ink droplets are disclosed. The methods comprise determining or having a multi-dimensional gradient profile representing a volumetric gradient complex dielectric element. Providing or having a plurality of nanocomposite-inks, at least one of the nanocomposite-inks having a curable organic-matrix and a concentration of nanoparticles dispersed within to print the volumetric continuous gradient complex dielectric device. A print mask is determined in one-, two-, or three-dimensions that reconstructs the multi-dimensional gradient profile as a discretized pattern based on the material properties of the plurality of nanocomposite-inks and properties of a printing apparatus with a plurality of printheads.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a 3-dimensional variable refractive-index optical-element with surface figure, the method comprising: depositing a plurality of nanocomposite-inks comprising an organic-matrix with a nanoparticle filler dispersed within, and at least partially curing a portion of the nanocomposite-ink to form a nanocomposite slab that is at least semi-solid; transferring the nanocomposite slab to a press, the press having a die mold with at least a first surface figure; and actuating the press to compress the nanocomposite slab and impart the die mold's first surface figure onto the nanocomposite slab to form a nanocomposite optical-element.

Abstract: A method of inkjet printing a gradient dielectric element in a deposition and photo-polymerization process. The method comprises: providing a plurality of complex-dielectric-inks that are inkjet printable including a nanocomposite-ink with an organic-matrix and a nanoparticle filler dispersed within. The plurality of complex-dielectric-inks have a first complex-dielectric-ink having a first photoinitiator and a second complex-dielectric-ink with a second photoinitiator. The first and second complex-dielectric-ink have different wavelength selective photo-polymerization absorption bands such that spectrally discrete exposure results in different degrees of polymerization of the first and second complex-dielectric-ink.

Abstract: Optical inks suitable for 3D printing fabrication of gradient refractive index (GRIN) optical components are composed a monomer matrix material doped with ligand-functionalized nanoparticles, wherein the monomer has a viscosity less than 20 cPoise and is UV curable to form a solid polymer. The matrix material doped with the ligand-functionalized nanoparticles has a transmittance of at least 90% in a predetermined optical wavelength range, wherein the ligand functionalized nanoparticles have a size less than 100 nm, are loaded in the monomer matrix material at a volume percent of at least 2%, and alter an index of refraction of the monomer matrix by at least 0.02. The ligand-functionalized nanoparticles have a plurality of ligands attached to a nanoparticle core surface with an anchor functional group and terminated with a buoy functional group that are reactive, non-reactive, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the ligands have a length less than 1.