SYNOVA S.A., headquartered in Duillier, Switzerland, is the pioneer of a unique water jet guided laser technology (Laser MicroJet®) providing high-precision cutting solutions for the metal, semiconductor and diamond industries.
Customers benefit from significant yield and improved cutting quality as well as enhanced capabilities for precision machining a wide range of materials.
“The ability to machine workpieces with fixtures that are not damaged by the Laser MicroJet fits well into Synova’s client offering. A micro-drilled glass plate is the ideal and a key element of Synova’s fixturing system, which requires thousands of micro-holes to be etched into fragile glass. Femtoprint has impressed not only with their ability to deliver, but also with the quality of their work and an excellent technical and customer approach. Their focus on self-improvement at all levels is consistent with their passion for quality”.
Jeremie Diboine
R&D Engineer, Synova SA, Switzerland
Is it possible to discover the Secret Language of Cells? FEMTOprint manufactured for the Technion Institute of Technology (Israel) a novel microfluidic-based Culture Chamber which incorporates Tesla's one-way valve to allow the study of the unidirectional transfer of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and their effects on recipient cells. Results indicate a possible mechanism in which VOCs play a role in cellular communication.
"It has been an absolute pleasure working with the team of FEMTOprint; their technology offers excellent precision in the manufacturing of silica. We have been working with FEMTOprint for more than three years on the design and fabrication of our novel microfluidic chambers. they offer the best solutions for many challenges we have faced in the fabrication of microfluidic chips that are suitable for Volatile organic compound (VOCs) analysis. They successfully provided and delivered the required specifications, and we look forward to future collaboration."
Walaa Saliba
Lab Manager
Dina Hashoul
PhD student in nanoscience and nanotechnology
CEA-LETI (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives - Laboratoire d'Electronique et de Technologie de l'Information) has chosen FEMTOprint to realize a Millimeter-sized particle sensor using a wide field of view monolithic lens assembly for light scattering analysis in Fourier domain.
CEA's objective within this project was to miniturize optical particulate matter sensors. By illuminating a single particle in an air channel, one can record the light scattering signature with a CMOS image sensor and then classify particles. This signature is optically pre-processed with an advanced, millimeter-sized, monolithic, refracto-reflective optical system. It performs notably a Fourier transform with very wide field of view of scattering angles, and includes as well integrated fluidics and alignment. Functional prototypes were fabricated by FEMTOprint using laser micro machining on glass, selective polishing, and afterwards were replicated with epoxy resin using a molding process.
Working with FEMTOprint allowed us to design chip-sized optical systems we believed impossible to manufacture. Our designs showed a significant level of complexity with precise optical grade surfaces as well as fluidic elements integrated monolithically . This way, we were able to scale down a complete 3D optical set-up to be mated with a millimeter sized CMOS chip: allowing us to improve greatly the performances of our air quality sensors ‘on-a-chip’. We are thankful for the FEMTOprint team for their implication solving our specific needs.
Gabriel Jobert
Laboratoire des Capteurs Optiques CEA-LETI
Eindhoven University of Technology is a young university, founded in 1956 by industry, local government and academia.
The University has been placed in the top 200 universities in the world by five major ranking tables
Today, their spirit of collaboration is still at the heart of the university community.
"We foster an open culture where everyone feels free to exchange ideas and take initiatives".
It is a true pleasure to work with the highly professional team at FEMTOprint, from initial inquiry and technical detailing to the final installation and training. Their in-house scientists and technologists not only ensure the high performance of the machine, but also provide a deep level support to the users. Their thoroughness, passion for their jobs and focus on their customers gave me a high level of confidence that the f200 machine will be a successful addition to our lab.
Prof.dr.ir. Jaap M.J. den Toonder
Assistant Prof. Ye Wang
Dr. Tanveer Ul Islam
Eindhoven University of Technology, Netherlands
Group of Microsystems, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Ulysse Nardin launched a new exceptional timepiece: the new FREAK neXt watch. It is the current quintessence of all the technical and watchmaking skills of the Maison Horlogère. This prototype watch, aiming at showcasing Ulysse Nardin's technological milestone and FEMTOprint's state-of-the-art microfabrication expertise in glass, unveils a new flying caroussel baguette movement equipped with a 3D-flying oscillator of truly spectacular design.
Pictures courtesy Ulysse Nardin
La liberté de conception offerte par FEMTOprint nous permet d’imaginer des géométries 3D totalement inédites. En ce sens, et plus particulièrement dans le cadre de notre nouvelle montre concept FREAK neXt, nous avons développé des composants horlogers complexes, réalisés directement dans le verre par la technologie de FEMTOprint. Grâce à l’extrême précision obtenue, des petits canaux – d’env. 0.4mm de diamètre – ont été prévus de manière à pouvoir y injecter un liquide phosphorescent, à base de Super-LumiNova ®. Au centre du mouvement baguette, partie du rouage « en ligne » qui indique les minutes, se trouve par ailleurs une petite lentille en verre, elle aussi réalisée par FEMTOprint, qui affiche le logo Ulysse Nardin de manière très nette et précise.
Mr Stéphane Von Gunten, Research and Innovation Director
Ulysse Nardin SA, Switzerland
The Institute for Quantum Electronics of the ETH Zürich is collaborating with FEMTOprint on the realization of ion traps for different applications such as quantum computing and molecular quantum logic, to be used in mass spectrometry or to control quantum states. The pictures show a titanium-gold coated trap which has the purpose to capture charged particles under vacuum conditions and a controlled electrical field, where laser technology is ultimately applied to induce coupling between qubit states or between internal qubit states and external motional states.
The ETH Zürich - Department of Physics - Institute for Quantum Electronics has a broad range of research activities, including quantum optics, quantum-structure engineering, laser physics, ultrafast phenomena and high-field physics. The Institute provides teaching of the physics curriculum for ETH students at all levels, including specialized lectures in quantum optics and quantum electronics.
Pictures courtesy ETHZ Institute for Quantum Electronics
FEMTOprint technology offers excellent precision and tolerances for the machining of silica. This makes it a very good solution for the creation of substrates for micro-fabricated ion traps. Working with the team of FEMTOprint is a pleasure, they offer excellent expertise and help implementing even the most complex desingns. We are looking forward to further collaborations.
M. Sc. Simon Georg Ragg, Institute for Quantum Electronics
ETH Zürich Department of Physics, CH
Shilps Sciences Private Limited (India) asked FEMTOprint to realize an innovative microfluidic chip to generate nanoliter droplets for single cell encapsulation and manipulations. The lab-on-chip has been manufactured with micrometric precision using our novel FEMTOPRINT® microfabrication platform. Surface quality varied between 3nm Ra and 150nm Ra. To create the electrodes, a vaporization protocol for Cr and Au has been applied. Finally, our sealing technique has been employed to hermetically bond the microfluidic chip with a cover lid, avoiding any glues, high temperatures or chemicals that could eventually modify the geometrical structure or contaminate the sample.
Shilps Sciences, specialized in nanotechnology and life sciences, is developing instruments to manipulate and probe cells at individual level. These products bring together the state-of-the-art from nanotechnology, microfluidics and life sciences.
At Shilps Sciences, we have designed and developed novel microfluidic chips for single cell isolation, immobilization and selective retrieval. Our designs posed several challenges in micro-manufacturing. FEMTOprint's team was very proactive in providing fabrication solutions, support and delivered the required specifications.
Dr. Ashwin Lal, CEO & Founder
Shilps Sciences Private Limited, India
Researchers of the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology in Jena, Germany, have realized complex three-dimensional PDMS chips for droplet microfluidics out of 3D-glass molds fabricated with the innovative FEMTOPRINT® technology. The direct writing process allows sub-micrometric resolution and to realize microfluidic designs with multiple levels or even continuously changing heights and complex 3D shapes. Together with the simplicity of PDMS replica molding, this approach has provided an accessible solution for both specialized and non-specialized labs to customize microfluidic experimentation and expand the experimental possibilities. A dedicated paper has been published in Biomicrofluidics 12, 024115 (2018) (link).
We have been working together with FEMTOprint for more than 2 years now, as we see in their technology potential to expand the possibilities of our microfluidic structure designs. They offer the best methodology for the fabrication of 3D structures with micrometric resolution without requiring unsurmountable pay or time walls. Contrarily, they have become an additional team member. We look forward to further collaborations.
Miguel Tovar, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology
Hans Knöll Institute -, Bio Pilot Plant. Jena, Germany
Politecnico di Torino asked FEMTOprint to realize an innovative transparent suspended microchannel resonator (SMR) for enhanced biosensing application. The evaluation of bacteria loads in water or in raw food materials could be very useful to prevent food-borne diseases. The SMR’s ability to measure simultaneously mass and density provide a valuable method for a wide variety of real-time application in industrial and life science research. Moreover, its unique transparence provides the opportunity to directly monitor the channel inside, paving the way for the integration of optical and microgravimetric characterizations. Politecnico di Torino is known both in Italy and abroad as a leading institution to study engineering and architecture.
FEMTOprint collaborated with Politecnico di Torino to define an innovative, fast and reliable process for the fabrication of suspended micromechanical resonanator and related microfluidic system. We are very satisfy by this experience and we hope to work together again, building new challenging collaborations.
Dr Roberta Calmo, Department of Applied Science and Technology
Politecnico di Torino, Italy
Ten years after the first InnoVision timepiece, Ulysse Nardin presented a second version of the incredible concept watch: InnoVision2, an exceptional timepiece, which pushes the boundaries farther than ever.
Ulysse Nardin has chosen FEMTOprint and its revolutionary, cutting-edge technology to take on its pioneering and visionary spirit. InnoVision2 is a highly technical watch with unique 3D glass sculptures.
Every part of this watch boasts great innovation; and FEMTOPRINT® technology contributed to the success of the vision, bringing transparency, unique shapes, precision, less friction, amazing combination of fluidics, mechanics and esthetics, with a perfect surface quality and the integration of new functionalities.
It is an enormous pleasure to work in collaboration with the whole the team of FEMTOprint. They take all the challenges we give to them for the fabrication of high complex 3D microstructures made out of glass. These horological microparts could not be done with others technologies with such a high degree of accuracy (which is about 2 to 5 µm) and surface quality. Little channels of about 0.4mm or microtexts are also included into the material.
Mr Stéphane von Gunten, Responsable Laboratoire & Technologies
Ulysse Nardin SA, Switzerland
www.lenr-cars.com
LENR Cars is developing innovative engineering solutions including electronic and optical design. On longer term, LENR Cars is developing a patent pending technology to produce on-board electric generators based on LENR reactions to enable powering zero emission vehicles such as electric cars, trains, boats and electric airplanes for extremely long range. FEMTOprint collaborates with LENR for the production of small optical lightguide.
We are very pleased with our collaboration with FEMTOprint for the manufacturing of our optical lightpipe.
Dr. Nicolas Chauvin, CEO
LENR Cars SA, Switzerland
www.picometrics.com
Picometrics Technologies is an analytical instrumentation company, which manufactures and sells a range of LIF (Laser Induced Fluorescence) detectors and LEDIF (LED Induced Fluorescence) detectors. For a new project, FEMTOprint was asked to realize a precise 3D device.
FEMTOprint worked closely with Picometrics Technologies in order to manufacture microfluidic parts for our projects. They enabled us to have complex glass products, with very tight dimensions and not feasible by other companies.
Dr. Comtet Louis Andriamanampisoia. Mechanical Engineer
Picometrics Technologies, France
www.medtronic.com
Complex 3D medical devices with internal cavities, as catheter components with external transparent pockets, have been fabricated for Medtronic. The latter is one of the world largest medical device companies. FEMTOPRINT® technology ensured for this first prototype of catheter exceptional properties as biocompatibility, transparency and high accuracy. Therefore, optical monitoring of the inner channel is possible thanks to the obtained smooth surfaces.
It was a pleasure working with the team at FEMTOprint. Their attention to detail and quality was very impressive. I would not hesitate to use them again.
Dr. Tim Jones. R&D Engineer
Medtronic, Ireland
www.leibniz-hki.de
The scientists at the HKI carry out research into natural products from micro-organisms and into the infection biology of pathogenic fungi. For their research purposes, HKI tasked FEMTOprint to fabricate a 3D microfluidic channel device used for the development of microbiology-tailored droplet microfluidic operations.
The technology and competences of FEMTOprint enabled a fast and reliable solution to the fabrication of our structures. We are very much looking forward to further developments enabled by their collaboration.
Dr. Miguel Tovar, Bio Pilot Plant
Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology -HKI-, Germany
www.fe.up.pt
Pictures courtesy of FEUP.
Glass targets suspended within a microfluidic chip used for the study of the effect of swimming microbot’s morphology on the complex fluid flows in microchannels. Project presented at The Society of Rheology 86th Annual Meeting, October 2014, Philadelphia (US).
FEMTOprint collaborated with the Transport Phenomena Research Center (Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto) to fabricate the microdevices employed to study the flow dynamics of a blood analogue viscoelastic fluid around various microbot prototypes (FCT project EXPL/EMS-TRA/2306/2013 directed by Dr. Campo-Deaño). They produced for us high quality target models together with the whole devices, made from an unique piece of fused silica. They were able to get an excellent accuracy, with mechanical continuity and with a minimal surface roughness. No other company nor technology offered us these features for our design and we are glad to say that their work was hugely satisfactory.
Dr. Sergio Martinez Aranda, BI Researcher
Transport Phenomena Research Center, Portugal
www.oticonmedical.com
At Oticon Medical more than a century of experience in audiology and sound processingis being combined with decades of pioneering experience in hearing implant technology. In 2013 Oticon Medical entered a strategically important growth area for hearing implant technology with the acquisition of Neurelec, a pioneer in cochlear implant technology that benefits people with severe to profound hearing loss. The cochlear implant system transforms acoustic sounds into electrical stimulation for the auditory nerve.
FEMTOprint provides us an incredible quality of work. In a one shoot try, the component was much better than with other known technics. Having such a partner will enable us to develop more accurate and realistic models for the design of our future devices.
Mr. Guillaume Tourrel, Advanced Studies Manager
Oticon Medical, France
NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology
Founded in 1901 and now part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST is one of the nation's oldest physical science laboratories. Today, NIST measurements support the smallest of technologies—nanoscale devices so tiny that tens of thousands can fit on the end of a single human hair—to the largest and most complex of human-made creations, from earthquake-resistant skyscrapers to wide-body jetliners to global communication networks.
FEMTOprint collaborated with NIST for the realisation of a flexure oscillator.
