Microlens Arrays
A microlens array is a rigid assembly of numerous tiny lenses (lenslets or microlenses). This square array can comprise thousands or even millions of microlenses, making it ideal for homogenizing light and achieving high efficiency with non-Gaussian uniformity. At Avantier, we offer both off-the-shelf and custom microlens arrays tailored to our customers’ precise specifications.
Types of Microlens Arrays
Most of them are manufactured from UV-grade fused silica and can be produced in various focal length options. Two main configurations are commonly used: the fly’s eye condenser and the square grid, both of which are often employed in pairs.
- Fly’s Eye Condenser Arrays: A fly’s eye condenser array, formed of dual-surface cylindrical microlenses mounted in a close-packed configuration, is used for flat-top and line generation. This array is ideal for applications requiring a short working distance and a large illuminated field.
- Square Microlens Arrays: They have a high ratio of active refracting area to total continuous area of the microlens array. A very high fill factor (up to 98%) essentially eliminates zero order hot spots in the illuminated field.. Square microlens arrays are primarily used for beam homogenization and shaping. A range of focal length and lens pitch options are also available.
Various types of Microlens Arrays
Applications of Microlens Arrays
Like natural compound eyes, microlens arrays can provide an extremely wide field of view, low aberration, and an infinite depth of field. However, they are not ideal for applications requiring high resolution, as the sensitivity and resolution of the images they produce are inherently limited.
In fiber optics, microlens arrays are used to collimate the output of fiber arrays. A microlens can also be used together with a CCD array in a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, an optical instrument that can measure the wavefront shape of incident light.
Specifications of Microlens Arrays
- Diameter: +0, -0.1mm
- Surface accuracy: λ/2 @633nm or better
- Thickness: ±0.2mm
- Centration: ±0.04mm
- Surface quality:20-10
- Bevel: 0.2mm typical
- Material: SK2; BK7 and more
Custom Microlens Arrays at Avantier
Avantier utilizes methods like semiconductor processing technology and laser material processing to manufacture high-quality microlenses and microlens assemblies.
When purchasing off-the-shelf microlens arrays, you may find the optical components only partially meet your needs. Unfortunately, these compromises often result in suboptimal performance and can lead to larger, more cumbersome optical systems.
What if you could order the exact optical component you need, tailor-made for your specific application? At Avantier, we specialize in custom microlens arrays that precisely match our customers’ specifications. Talk to our optical engineers and get started on a custom designed project today.
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