Diffractive optical elements
US5938989A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 24, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/81
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for the replication of diffractive optical elements using audio/video disc manufacturing equipment and processes. The audio/video disc manufacturing process and mold mastering tooling create diffractive optical elements using a mold plate. The diffractive optic design and photomasks are first fabricated then replicated using compact disc industry mold mastering techniques. The surface relief pattern is produced centered in the plate using ion milling or refractive ion etching photolithographic fabrication techniques. Once patterned, the mold master plate is punched into a circular form consistent with standard compact or video disc mold bases--typically eight inches for a compact disc. After molding, each element can be cut out of the disc using blade, shear, waterjet or laser cutting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.