Work

Glass multifocal microlens array through laser-induced topological transformation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We investigate the use of laser-induced topological transformation for manufacturing multifocal lens arrays with arbitrary focal ranges. Cylindrical preforms manufactured by femtosecond laser and chemical etching are topologically transformed into plano-convex lenses by thermally induced viscous flow and surface tension. In situ focal distance monitoring is employed to regulate the optical properties of the lens during its formation, enabling precise control over the final microlens topology regardless of process uncertainties. This approach also provides design flexibility, allowing lenses with varying focal lengths to be created from the same simple and identical preform. We also implemented a modeling framework to predict the time-dependent volume transformation. To illustrate the process capability, we demonstrate a microlens array made of lenses with multiple focal distances for which we characterize the optical performances.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.550321

Authors: Samuel Benketaf, Martin Lentz, Yves Bellouard

Institution: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Language: English

Topic: Advanced optical system design

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: Innosuisse - Schweizerische Agentur für Innovationsförderung, Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity