Polymer molded lenses for optoelectronics

Abstract

Further enhancements to a novel optical packaging technology for datalinks are reported. Evolutionary improvements in the design, processes, and implementations of the integrated lensireceptacle have been made. A new mechanical package for FDDI using the lensireceptacle has been designed in addition to the original SC-duplex and SCiST-simplex styles. Details of the mechanical and optical design, production issues, and performance statistics are reported.The basis for this low cost packaging approach is independent integration of the optical connector and electronic functions. Precision polymer molding technology has been used to design a multifunction element providing connector ferrule seating, optoelectronic device and fiber plane placement, connector feature integration, case and process sealing, and efficient optical coupling at right angles to the fiber axis. The last feature allows for assembly of the optoelectronic devices on the same board with the circuit components. Besides ease ,of testing and cost reduction, eliminating the TO header in this way improves electrical and thermal performance.

Injection molding of high-precision optical lenses: A review

“…Additionally, the Fresnel lenses are widely applied in the photovoltaic industry, for solar concentrator applications [2]. Freeform lenses are mostly applied in illumination, such as LEDs [6], and represent a high-volume application in the optical industry. However, Illumination applications usually need high-volume manufacturing at moderate or very low costs.…”

“…Optical polymers allow complex optical designs with several surfaces and various assembly features, previously limited to the demand and high-cost manufacturing processes of glass. These products have been used widely in various fields, such as automotive [1], lighting [2], photovoltaic [3], electronics [4][5][6][7], ophthalmology [8], and medical [9].…”