Formation of Micro Lens by Laser Polymerization

Abstract

Recently, a micro lens has been demanded in uniting a laser device and an optical fiber. We have fabricated a new type of plastic micro lens by laser polymerization. The amount of the resin polymerized by exposing laser light, namely light-curing, depends on the laser power and exposing time. The shape of the lens can be controlled by changing the condition of laser irradiation.
In this paper, the characteristic of the lens formed by this method was examined. Moreover, the relation between the lens shape and the condition of laser irradiation was investigated, and the condition to reducing a transverse spherical aberration was examined. As the result, the lens of 390μm in diameter was formed. The area which can be used for light coupling from a laser diode to a multimode fiber will be 81 % in the total lens area.