Precision micro-optical elements and the method of making precision micro-optical elements

摘要

Micro-optical elements such as lenses and wave-guides are manufactured by printing a hardenable optical fluid using digitally driven ink-jet technology. An array of micro-optical elements are precisely positioned in an electroformed substrate having a surface containing structural openings which serve as molds for micro-droplets of optical fluids deposited from an ink-jet printhead. The structural openings have a stepped down edge, a shelf-like support surface below the edge and a centered aperture in the substrate. The micro-optical element formed is controlled by the shape of the edge in the surface of the substrate and the radius by the volume of micro-droplets deposited into the structural opening. The structural openings can be circular, or any desired shape which is easily and precisely formed in an electroformed substrate.