Patent · US Expired

Gradient index miniature coupling lens

US4025157A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
7References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJun 26, 1975
Grant dateMay 24, 1977
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 26, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/4206
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A miniature optical lens for coupling is fabricated from selected high rective index semiconductor material of uniform thickness. Refractive index gradients are generated in the semiconductor material through changes in composition developed under controlled conditions producing a desired focal length for determinable wavelengths of light energy emitted from a light source to which the miniature optical lens is coupled. The miniature optical lens thus fabricated is especially efficient for coupling light energy from light emitting diodes and junction lasers as well as in semiconductor micro-optics within the visible and the infrared wavelengths as well because the index of refraction of the lens material may be closely matched to the index of refraction of the light source, minimizing light energy transfer losses.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.