Manufacturing a microlens at the extremity of a lead waveguide
US7474821B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 25, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 25, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D11/00692
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Variants of a method for manufacturing a microlens of any desired shape at the extremity of a lead waveguide are provided. A lens element having a non-uniform radial etchability profile is provided at the extremity of the lead waveguide. Preferably, the etchability profile is determined by a non-uniform radial distribution of dopants in the lens element. A spacer may optionally be placed between the waveguide and the lens element. The lens element is then brought down to an appropriate length and etched to its final shape which is mainly determined by the dopant distribution. An optical coupling assembly having a non-uniform radial distribution of dopants therein is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.