Chemical bonding and degradation of ultrathin liquid films for nanolubrication of sliding components in adaptive optics

Integrated microprojectors are being developed to project a large image on any surface chosen by users. For a laser-based microprojector, a piezo-electric based adaptive optics unit is adopted in the green laser architecture. The operation of this unit depends on stick-slip motion between the sliding components. Nanolubrication of adaptive optics sliding components is needed to reduce wear and for smooth operation. In this study, thermal, plasma, and UV treatments for chemical bonding of the lubricant film to carbon fiber reinforced polymer are explored. Lubricant film can be exposed to the laser radiation during operation of the microprojector. Chemical degradation of the lubricant film from exposure to green and IR lasers as well as plasma treatment is studied, which may be needed for chemical bonding or cleaning of the components during assembly of the microprojector. The results and associated mechanisms are presented.