Next generation micro optics

Thanks to additive manufacturing, new possibilities are also arising for the production of optical components. Of particular interest here is the additive manufacturing of microlenses. In order, however, to reduce optical aberrations or to be able to set individual light distributions, normally an aspherical microlens shape is required.
This chapter will discuss the additive manufacturing of such microlenses. The first step in this process is that with the aid of a printing method based on dispenser technology, a liquid polymer or Glassomer is deposited dropwise onto a substrate. This produces a liquid, spherical macroscopic drop whose volume is dependent on the number of microscopic drops deposited. Subsequently, the liquid drop is deformed in an electric field (dielectrophoresis) and the desired aspherical form is set. Finally, the photopolymer or Glassomer is cured using UV radiation and hence the aspherical shape of the lens is fixed.
In the text below, after a brief introduction to the topic, first the dielectrophoresis technique on which it is based is described in detail. Subsequently, the printing system is looked at, and the deformation of the drops that is achieved is examined. ... mehrThis is followed by a discussion of two applications: the production of aspherical coupling optics which have been integrated into a glass fiber, and the adjustment of the focal position of a microlens through aspherical shaping.