• Tor, S. B.
• Murukeshan, V. M.
• Loh, N. H.
• Lye, S. W.

Abstract

<p>Micron size lenses and microlens arrays are new products that are attracting the attention of the scientific community for their possible outstanding applications. Wide applications of microlens arrays, self-standing microlenses for biomedical applications, arrayed device coupling and parallel optical image processing have been reported in the recent past. Though many techniques have been utilized and well established to fabricate microlens arrays, mass production of polymer self-standing micro imaging lenses is still a challenge. This paper in this context discusses the design and development of a precision compression molding apparatus for the fabrication of stand-alone microlenses. Finite element method (FEM) simulation was used to predict the profile of the lens and the residual stresses, which could influence the optical characteristics. The FEM simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Different types of characterization equipment were used to determine both the geometrical and the optical properties of the molded lens. It was observed that the geometrical properties of the molded lens match well with the mold inserts and the optical properties are found to be suitable for the intended applications.</p>

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• polymer
• simulation
• compression molding