Avantier is a prime producer of custom micro optics and optical systems for a wide range of applications. Whether you need mini diffractive optical elements, micro optical mirrors, micro lenses, micro prisms, or microlens arrays, we have you covered. We can also produce optical fibers with a microscope core diameter.
Manufacture of Micro Optics
Micro optics are typically defined as small optical components or systems with a diameter of 1 micrometer to 1 millimeter in size. The small size of these optical elements means they must be manufactured with precision machinery and the utmost attention to detail. Some methods used for the manufacture of micro optics include photoresist reflow, micro contact printing (soft lithography), and direct laser writing technology.
Experience with optical design at a micro scale is also essential in dealing with unique challenges: for instance, when designing a micro lens, it is important to be aware that the supporting substrate will likely be thicker than the actual lens. At Avantier, our optical engineers are skilled at working on the micro level and creating high precision micro optical components and systems that fulfill tight specifications and perform exactly as intended.
Applications of Micro Optics
Micro optics play a key role in modern technology, and are found in everything from the smart phone you use to communicate to the imaging devices in top medical research centers. Here are a few examples of micro optics at work:
Microlens arrays can be used to increase the efficiency of CCD arrays and CMOS sensors, as they can collect and focus light that would otherwise have been lost when it fell on non-sensitive sensor regions. They can also be used in high efficiency photovoltaics to concentrate light energy for electricity production. Some 3D imaging and display technology uses arrays of micros lens to create a multi-dimensional image.
An optical fiber is a transparent fiber, a thin strand of high quality glass. It may be used to transmit light for fiber optic communications and various illumination or imaging applications. Single mode fibers have cores between 8-10 microns in diameter, while multi-mode fibers have cores from 50-100 microns in diameter. Micro wavelets may be used with optical fibers to change the polarization of light traveling through the fiber, and microspheres can be used for coupling light into or out of fibers as well as relaying images.
Optical Materials Used in Micro Optical Systems
While micro optics may be manufactured from traditional optical materials (think glass and polymers) there are certain materials that work better in micro optics than in larger optics. Semiconductor materials are often used in IR applications as they lend themselves well to wafer-based lithography techniques. A fluidic microlens is one based on transparent liquids, and is tunable in a way a hard substrate would not be.
Custom Micro Optics at Avantier
At Avantier, we’ve specialized in creating custom micro optics for clients that need high performance, high quality optical elements at competitive prices. Our extensive in-house manufacturing equipment enables us to take your ideas and turn them into the optical components and assemblies that can make your project a success. Contact us today to set up a free consult or request more information on our custom work.
WE CAN HELP YOU!
Contact us NOW for sales & expert advice.