A decompression method for the fabrication of polymer microlens arrays

A relatively easy and favorable fabrication method for a long focal length microlens array is presented by employing a decompression method which modifies the hot pressing method. In this method, the focal length of the microlens can be easily adjusted by changing temperature and pressure of a polymer sheet. A feasibility study has been performed to produce a microlens with a diameter of 0.87 mm. In the case of a microlens with 21 mm focal length (F/24 focal ratio), the best region is normally over the central region for a diameter of 0.64 mm and the focused spot size (full width at half maximum intensity) is estimated to be 31.7 mum. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.