A challenge to the low-cost production of highly functional optical elements

— Fabrication of sub-wavelength periodic structures via glass-imprinting process —

Abstract

Factors, such as production cost, which impede practical applications of "sub-wavelength optical elements" with periodic structures smaller than light wavelengths, were targeted for alleviation through a combination of advanced Japanese glass molding methods and a novel imprinting process. Collaboration between material manufacturers, consumer-electronics companies, universities, and AIST under a clear sharing of roles enabled the fabrication of functions such as polarization rotation effects and antireflection effects on glass surfaces.