Fabrication of polymer microlens arrays using capillary forming with a soft mold of micro-holes array and UV-curable polymer
Journal
Optics Express
Journal Volume
14
Journal Issue
13
Pages
439-444
Date Issued
2006
Author(s)
Abstract
This paper reports a simple and effective method to fabricate microlens arrays with the ultraviolet-curable resins, and a soft mold of micro-holes array. During capillary forming operation, the surface of the soft mold of micro-holes array is being pressed against the ultraviolet-curable resin layer coated on the plastic substrate. An array of convex lense can be formed in the circular holes of the soft mold due to the capillary filling and surface tension. The microlens arrays have smooth surface and uniform focusing function. The shape and height of micolens can be controlled with a proper combination of pressing pressure, pressing duration and UV curing dose. This technique shows great potential for fabricating polymer microlens arrays with high productivity and low cost. ©2006 Optical Society of America.
Other Subjects
Plastic coatings; Polymers; Surface tension; Ultraviolet detectors; Capillary filling; Micro-holes array; Microlens arrays; Ultraviolet-curable resins; Arrays
Type
journal article