Engineers Introduce Quick Fabrication of Micro-Optics

Researchers at Rochester Photonics Corp. have introduced a method for the speedy manufacture of high-NA microlenses, a development that could have an impact on telecommunications.

The method, under review by the US Patent Office, involves a process called direct surface profiling. This causes the surface of the organic material to change its thickness. The new method enables the company to produce precision, high-NA micro-optic components at low cost and large quantities.
G. Michael Morris, CEO of the Rochester, N.Y., company, said these micro-optics will lead to "dramatic improvements in laser-to-fiber coupling efficiency for optical telecommunication applications." Using current designs, laser-to-fiber coupling efficiencies are typically 50 to 60 percent. The company's microlenses have coupling efficiencies of more than 95 percent, he said.