Wafer-Level Optics: Scalable Replicated Optical Solutions for OEM Applications Introduction As optical systems continue to shrink in size while increasing in functionality and volume demand, wafer-level optics (WLO) have become a critical enabling technology for OEM applications. By fabricating large numbers of identical optical elements simultaneously on...
Prototype Microlens Arrays in Less Than 5 Weeks Overview Modern LiDAR, datacom, and optical sensing systems demand rapid innovation cycles and early validation of optical architectures. In these applications, microlens arrays (MLAs) play a critical role in beam shaping, illumination control, coupling efficiency, and detector performance. To...
Thin-Film Coatings on Imprinted Microlens Arrays: Opportunities and Design Considerations 1. Introduction Replicated microlens arrays (MLAs) produced by UV-cured polymer imprinting have become essential in advanced optical assemblies, for collimating, focusing, beam shaping, homogenization, imaging, sensing, and display functions. As these components enter increasingly demanding optical and...
Introduction As optical systems become increasingly integrated at the wafer level, it is often necessary to define where replication polymer should—and should not—exist. Even thin films of polymer in unwanted regions can interfere with electrical contact pads, wafer bonding, or optical interfaces. Holographix’ Selective Location Removal of...
Introduction As optical systems evolve toward wafer-level integration, precise alignment and optical isolation have become central to performance and manufacturability. In this context, chrome patterning, alignment accuracy, and polymer thickness control work together to ensure every replicated microlens array (MLA) performs identically—across thousands of dies on...
Common Sources in MLA Systems: Autofluorescence: See Glossary Surface Scatter: Caused by micro-scale surface roughness or particulate contamination on lens surfaces. Diffraction: As the patterned structures approach the wavelength of light used in the optical system, managing this light becomes more critical. Profile Transitions: Occurs in the blending zones...
RoC Tolerancing and Surface Quality Unlike traditional macroscopic lenses, microlens arrays—especially those fabricated via grayscale lithography or precision replication—enable high-fidelity control over arbitrary profiles, whether spherical, aspherical, or freeform. The challenge is not the shape, but the precision and uniformity of that shape. [vc_separator type='transparent' position='center' color=''...
Environmental Specifications Parameter Typical Value / Range Notes Operating Temperature −60°C to +180°C (polymer); up to 200°C (glass) Limited by substrate and coating stability Humidity Resistance High for glass; polymers may absorb moisture Protective coatings or encapsulation will mitigate absorption UV Exposure Resistance Excellent (glass); moderate to low (polymer) UV stabilization required for long-term outdoor use Chemical Resistance Good...
While every microlens array (MLA) project is custom by nature, tailored to the optical, mechanical, and environmental demands of the end application, Holographix offers the following general specifications as a helpful reference for system designers and engineers. These values represent typical performance targets or standard...
Design Importance: Sag height, together with lens diameter and refractive index, determines the focal length and optical power of the microlens. The higher the sag, the greater the lens’s curvature and optical power—but also the more challenging it becomes to fabricate and characterize. Process-Dependent Sag Limits: Fabrication...