Passively aligned imaging optics and method of manufacturing the same

摘要

An infrared imaging system is formed by passively aligning two or more lens wafers including a plurality of lenses. The lens wafers may be pre-fabricated lens wafers in which the plurality of lenses are aligned utilizing an alignment jig having a plurality of conduits for distributing bonding material. Alternatively, the lens wafers may be formed of a base material molded around the plurality of optical lenses. The lens wafers may have a variety of alignment features, alignment inserts and/or alignment elements.

主权项

1. A lens wafer for use in a passively aligned optical imaging system, the lens wafer including:
a plurality of lens elements each including an assembly flange having alignment features such that the lenses are alignable on a mold; and a base portion made from base material molded around the plurality of lenses, the base portion having a first surface opposite a second surface, the assembly flange therebetween; and, alignment inserts such that the lens wafer is able to passively align with a second lens wafer in at least four degrees of freedom, the four degrees of freedom comprising:
X and Y-coordinates defining centering of lens elements between the lens wafer and the second lens wafer,a Z-coordinate defining spacing between the lens wafer and the second lens wafer, androtation of the lens wafer with respect to the second lens wafer.