Device for Photon-Induced Processes and / or Modifications of Materials

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This invention relates to a device and method for transporting a material to a specific location and then precisely modifying it using light (photons) at that exact location. The device consists of a hollow body with an integrated optical fiber or light guide, connected to a light source (such as a laser or LED), which ensures that the light only affects the material at the exit point, enabling localized photon-induced changes like polymerization, curing, or chemical activation. Multiple such devices can be arranged to create arrays for simultaneous or patterned modifications, and the system can handle a range of materials, including photopolymers, resins, composites, and biological substances.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Dental applications such as precise curing of filling materials or adhesives in the mouth.
• Micro- or nano-fabrication processes, including 3D printing of fine structures using photosensitive materials.
• Local polymerization or chemical modification in lab-on-chip and microfluidics devices.
• Biomaterial processing, such as targeted crosslinking of proteins or hydrogels for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
• Patterned or spatially-resolved chemical etching or deposition in electronics or semiconductor fabrication.
• Research applications requiring precise delivery and activation of photon-reactive chemicals at micro-scales.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Highly localized and controlled modification of materials, reducing unwanted side-effects or waste.
• Flexibility in modifying various types of materials—including polymers, composites, and biological substances—by selecting suitable light sources and wavelengths.
• Ability to create fine or complex patterns and structures with high spatial resolution by arranging multiple devices (arrays).
• Enhanced efficiency and accuracy compared to conventional multi-step or less targeted triggering methods.
• Reduces process complexity by integrating transport and modification in a single step or device.
• Scalable system design adaptable for industrial, clinical, or research environments.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device comprising a hollow body developed for receiving material and/or for transporting material to a target location or away from a target location, at which local photon-induced modification of the material takes place, with an upper section of the hollow body and a lower section of the hollow body with an opening, from which the material to be transported can enter and/or exit, wherein the opening opens at the target location at which local photon-induced modification of the material takes place, and wherein the hollow body has at least one light guide, which is arranged at at least one photon source and/or is connected to at least one photon source and which is configured such that input light, which enters the light guide from a photon source, exits only at the opening of the lower section of the hollow body. The invention further relates to an arrangement, which can also be referred to as an array, for receiving material and/or for transporting material to a target location or away from a target location, at which local photon-induced modification of the material takes place, comprising more than one of the previously described hollow bodies according to the invention, each of which is connected to a photon source, and wherein the respective photon sources of the hollow bodies can emit light of the same or different wavelengths, intensities or power. The invention also relates to a method for receiving material and/or for transporting material to a target location or away from a target location, at which local photon-induced modification of the material takes place, comprising the following method steps: a) introducing the material, which is to be photon-induced modified, into the interior space of the hollow body of the device or the arrangement according to the invention; b) transporting the material to the opening of the hollow body or the arrangement; c) connecting a photon source to the light guide(s) of the hollow body or the arrangement; and/or d) switching on the photon source and local irradiation of the photon energy from the photon source via the light guide(s) onto the material at the opening of the hollow body for targeted photon-induced modification of the material at the opening of the hollow body.