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Title: Direct write of microlens array using digital projection photopolymerization

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2838751· OSTI ID:21016295
;  [1]
  1. Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712 (United States)

Microlens array is a key element in the field of information processing, optoelectronics, and integrated optics. Many existing fabrication processes remain expensive and complicated even though relatively low-cost replication processes have been developed. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication of microlens arrays through projection photopolymerization using a digital micromirror device (DMD) as a dynamic photomask. The DMD projects grayscale images, which are designed in a computer, onto a photocurable resin. The resin is then solidified with its thickness determined by a grayscale ultraviolet light and exposure time. Therefore, various geometries can be formed in a single-step, massively parallel fashion. We present microlens arrays made of acrylate-based polymer precursor. The physical and optical characteristics of the resulting lenses suggest that this fabrication technique is potentially suitable for applications in integrated optics.

OSTI ID:
21016295
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 92, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2838751; (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English