Fabrication of optical components using a consumer-grade lithographic printer.

Abstract

The ability to 3D print optical elements will greatly expand the accessibility of optical fabrication. Here, we report on two fabrication techniques for plano-convex lens files using a consumer-grade lithographic printer. Lenses were post-processed using a simple spin coating technique with the resin used in the printing process or by curing directly on glass concave lenses. Average RMS roughness values were between 13 and 28 nm and RMS wavefront deviations were between 0.297 and 0.374 wave for spin-coated lenses. The average roughness RMS for the glass-cured lenses was 6 nm and the average form RMS was 0.048 wave.