Chinese scientists 3D print tiny items in half a second using holographic light fields — scientists precision fabricate complex millimeter-scale objects in record time

Chinese scientists from Tsinghua University have developed a groundbreaking 3D printing technique called digital incoherent synthesis of holographic light fields (DISH), allowing for the rapid production of complex millimeter-scale objects in just 0.6 seconds. Unlike traditional 3D printing methods, DISH involves using high-speed multi-perspective light fields that rotate around the stationary material, enabling precise projection of 3D light intensity distributions quickly. This innovation opens up possibilities for mass production of micro-components like photonic computing devices and mobile phone camera modules, as well as applications in flexible electronics, micro-robotics, and tissue engineering. The technique offers stability and accuracy advantages by moving the light field instead of the material, showcasing potential for revolutionizing additive manufacturing processes.