We describe a hybrid technique for fabricating microlens arrays on soda-lime glass substrates composed by a direct-laser write and post thermal treatment. In particular we use a nanosecond Q-Switch Nd: YVO4 laser and a mufla Heraeus furnace. Temperature dependence of the reflowing process was analyzed in the range of 620°C-670°C. An improvement in the optical quality of the microlens arrays were obtained as temperature increases. The best microlens array was obtained at 670°C with the following characteristics: diameter 47.89±6.65μm; focal length 510±10μm; and focal spot size 2.82±0.02μm. The presented technique has been shown to be capable of fabricating low cost microlens arrays with good optical quality.

Date Published: 21 October 2011
PDF: 6 pages
Proc. SPIE 8011, 22nd Congress of the International Commission for Optics: Light for the Development of the World, 80110T (21 October 2011); doi: 10.1117/12.902099

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8011:
22nd Congress of the International Commission for Optics: Light for the Development of the World
Ramón Rodríguez-Vera; Ramón Rodríguez-Vera; Ramón Rodríguez-Vera; Rufino Díaz-Uribe; Rufino Díaz-Uribe; Rufino Díaz-Uribe, Editor(s)