Microlens arrays optimized for efficiently coupling optical power onto photonic integrated circuits (PICs) will be developed using a gradient index (GRIN) optics inkjet print additive manufacture technology platform. In the Phase I base program, after working with stakeholders to refine the application requirements, low-loss, low-aberration, aperture-matched anamorphic (axis dependent) lenslet designs will be optimized and shown by simulation to meet the solicited requirements. Achromatic optical materials will then be synthesized and small-sized microlens arrays will be fabricated and characterized using holographic interferometry, profilometry, and point spread function analysis. The measured performance will be demonstrated to match simulation. In the Phase I Option, 100 x 100 and 200 x 200 element arrays, sized larger than 1-cm x 1-cm, will be fabricated, and their measured performance will be shown to meet the solicited performance. Preliminary reliability and environmental testing will be performed.
Benefit: The proposed innovation has direct applicability to a broad range of photonic integrated circuits used in optical phased array lidar, optical switching, beam shaping, and multiplexing in optoelectronic devices. Additive-manufacture of freeform optics also has application in demanding and size-constrained artificial reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), riflescope, night vision goggle, and unmanned air vehicle (UAV) applications.
Keywords: additive manufacturing, additive manufacturing, Optics, Microlens, optical phase array, GRIN, photonic integrated circuit, freeform optics
