Precision lens molding of asphero diffractive surfaces in chalcogenide materials

J. Nelson; M. Scordato; K. Schwertz; J. Bagwell

doi:10.1117/12.2195764

11 October 2015 Precision lens molding of asphero diffractive surfaces in chalcogenide materials

J. Nelson, M. Scordato, K. Schwertz, J. Bagwell

Proceedings Volume 9633, Optifab 2015; 96331L (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2195764
Event: SPIE Optifab, 2015, Rochester, New York, United States

Abstract

Finished lens molding, and the similar process of precision lens molding, have long been practiced for high volume, accurate replication of optical surfaces on oxide glass. The physics surrounding these processes are well understood, and the processes are capable of producing high quality optics with great fidelity. However, several limitations exist due to properties inherent with oxide glasses. Tooling materials that can withstand the severe environmental conditions of oxide glass molding cannot easily be machined to produce complex geometries such as diffractive surfaces, lens arrays, and off axis features. Current machining technologies coupled with a limited selection of tool materials greatly limits the type of structures that can be molded into the finished optic.

Tooling for chalcogenide glasses are not bound by these restrictions since the molding temperatures required are much lower than for oxide glasses. Innovations in tooling materials and manufacturing techniques have enabled the production of complex geometries to optical quality specifications and have demonstrated the viability of creating tools for molding diffractive surfaces, off axis features, datums, and arrays. Applications for optics having these features are found in automotive, defense, security, medical, and industrial domains.

This paper will discuss results achieved in the study of various molding techniques for the formation of positive diffractive features on a concave spherical surface molded from As2Se3 chalcogenide glass. Examples and results of molding with tools having CTE match with the glass and non CTE match will be reviewed. The formation of stress within the glass during molding will be discussed, and methods of stress management will also be demonstrated and discussed. Results of process development methods and production of good diffractive surfaces will be shown.

Citation Download Citation

J. Nelson, M. Scordato, K. Schwertz, and J. Bagwell "Precision lens molding of asphero diffractive surfaces in chalcogenide materials", Proc. SPIE 9633, Optifab 2015, 96331L (11 October 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2195764

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