Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods

摘要

Gradient-index (GRIN) lens fabrication employing laser pulse width duration control, and related components, systems, and methods are disclosed. GRIN lenses can be fabricated from GRIN rods by controlling the pulse width emission duration of a laser beam emitted by a laser to laser cut the GRIN rod, as the GRIN rod is disposed in rotational relation to the laser beam. Controlling laser pulse width emission duration can prevent or reduce heat accumulation in the GRIN rod during GRIN lens fabrication. It is desired that the end faces of GRIN lenses are planar to facilitate light collimation, easy bonding or fusing of the GRIN lens to optical fibers to reduce optical losses, polishing to avoid spherical aberrations, and/or cleaning the end faces when disposed in a fiber optic connector, as non-limiting examples.

主权项

1. A method of fabricating a gradient-index (GRIN) lens from a GRIN rod, comprising:
positioning an interface of a GRIN rod in a laser beam path of a laser configured to emit a laser beam in the laser beam path; providing a rotational relationship between the GRIN rod and the laser beam path; controlling the laser to direct a laser beam in pulse width durations in the laser beam path incident to the interface of the GRIN rod, to spin cut a planar or substantially planar optical surface end face in the GRIN rod at the interface.