The focus of this research is to develop a working experimental understanding of photopolymerization processes initiated with visible light initiators and using visible lasers. The principal application of interest is three-dimensional imaging: using a laser to control the formation of contour or a shape. Thus, a target of the work is to understand, eventually, the formation of shapes from crosslinked gels and to understand how photopolymerization rates effect the dimensions. Another goal is to expand studies of photochemical polymerization processes to systems that can be used to unique advantage in altering or controlling the outcome of a chain reaction, such as under harsh conditions. The specific goals for this research are: 1) To optimize initiators which function at 488 nm, 514 nm, 632 nm and > 720 nm and cause controlled polymerization "at depth". 2) To optimize dimensional control in laser initiated acrylate photopolymerization, and develop techniques which form contours. 3) To develop time-resolved photopolymerization experiments such that the rates of photopolymerizations can be evaluated as a function of initiator, monomer, light source, in the dimension Z. 4) To optimize property control and photospeed in laser- initiated acrylate photopolymerization. 5) To develop techniques for the formation of composite materials using laser-initiated acrylate photopolymerization. 6) To develop techniques for the formation of composites and polymers by laser-initiated polymerization under harsh conditions. 7) To develop monomer systems, other than acrylates, that can be efficiently photopolymerized with visible lasers.
