Precision compression molding of chalcogenide glass optical elements

Abstract

Precision glass molding process (GMP) is a promising process to manufacture small precision optical elements in large volume. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of a molded chalcogenide glass lens as an optical element. A set of mold was designed and manufactured with silicon carbide material for the molding test. The structure of the mold set was semi-closed and detachable which can make the molded lens easy releasing with non-invasion. The surfaces of the mold cores are coated with thin protecting DLC film to relieve adhesion problem and increase the working life. Experiments were also performed using a precision glass molding machine Toshiba GMP-311V to determine the molding parameters i.e. molding temperature, pressure and cooling rate. The glass lens breakage during precision molding process was analyzed according to the glass property and the molding parameters. By modifying the mold design and optimization the processing parameters, ultimately achieve the desired molded lens.