UV-cured polymer optics

Victor Piñón III; Freddie Santiago; Ashten Vogelsberg; Amelia Davenport; Neil Cramer

doi:10.1117/12.2280002

16 October 2017 UV-cured polymer optics

Victor Piñón III, Freddie Santiago, Ashten Vogelsberg, Amelia Davenport, Neil Cramer

Proceedings Volume 10448, Optifab 2017; 104481O (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2280002
Event: SPIE Optifab, 2017, Rochester, New York, United States

Abstract

Although many optical-quality glass materials are available for use in optical systems, the range of polymeric materials is limited. Polymeric materials have some advantages over glass when it comes to large-scale manufacturing and production. In smaller scale systems, they offer a reduction in weight when compared to glass counterparts. This is especially important when designing optical systems meant to be carried by hand. We aimed to expand the availability of polymeric materials by exploring both crown-like and flint-like polymers. In addition, rapid and facile production was also a goal. By using UV-cured thiolene-based polymers, we were able to produce optical materials within seconds. This enabled the rapid screening of a variety of polymers from which we down-selected to produce optical flats and lenses. We will discuss problems with production and mitigation strategies in using UV-cured polymers for optical components. Using UV-cured polymers present a different set of problems than traditional injection-molded polymers, and these issues are discussed in detail. Using these produced optics, we integrated them into a modified direct view optical system, with the end goal being the development of drop-in replacements for glass components. This optical production strategy shows promise for use in lab-scale systems, where low-cost methods and flexibility are of paramount importance.

Citation Download Citation

Victor Piñón III, Freddie Santiago, Ashten Vogelsberg, Amelia Davenport, and Neil Cramer "UV-cured polymer optics", Proc. SPIE 10448, Optifab 2017, 104481O (16 October 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2280002

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