Advances in hot embossing technology for optical glass micro-nanostructures: A review

Hot embossing forming technology is a key technology for fabricating micro-nanostructures on optical glass, providing a process for efficient, large-scale, and economical production of optical glass components with excellent optical performance. The process uses coated mold with micro-nanostructures to hot emboss optical glass at high temperatures. However, the intricate and unpredictable flow and deformation behavior of viscoelastic glass in the thermodynamic field presents challenges to researchers. Therefore, this paper begins with an evaluative review of the adhesion and friction effects of glass on different mold and coating materials. Based on this foundation, the paper comprehensively summarizes both theoretical and applied advanced studies on the filling and flow deformation mechanisms of viscoelastic glass during molding and the quality of the final molded product. Then, the development of high-precision prediction models and molding parameter control systems is proposed for the future establishment of an integrated study framework that can predict glass flow deformation and to facilitate the efficient filling and accurate replication of micro-nanostructures. Finally, after summarizing the current research of the hot-rolled embossing for optical polymer, this paper pioneeringly proposes the unresolved critical challenges and related solutions of hot-rolled embossing for optical glass, setting the course for future research efforts in the emerging field of advanced hot-rolled embossing technologies.