Polymer Optics and Optoelectronics: Solutions to the Physical Limit

The challenges in the production of components and sub-modules for biophotonic and industry applications are manifold. Here is the focus on the realization of high-precision lenses, their assembly in conjunction with image-sensors. These assemblies of plastic lenses, glass lenses and image sensors, on the one hand must be very cost-effective and on the other hand meet the requirements of healthcare industry.

Typical requirements for lenses with regard to optical accuracy are in the range of PV value (peak-to-valley) below 1µm and low birefringence. This applies to spheres, aspheric and freeform surfaces. Furthermore, there is often the need to coat the lens surfaces. Here different coatings are used e.g. anti-reflective coating to minimize stray light and increase transmission.

How to reach the optical requirements of plastic lenses? Each plastic lens shrinks after the molding process and the target is to compensate for this shrinkage. The key procedure is the off-set calculation. Last but not least, an active alignment of image sensor and optics is needed to realize successfully the final application.

About the presenter
Jan Heller is head of sales of industrial automation at Jenoptik based out of its global headquarters in Jena, Germany. He studied mechanical engineering and specialized in injection molding. Heller has nine years of experience in process engineering and project management of optical components. In the last 10 years he has worked in business development and sales in several markets including automotive, industry automation, consumer electronics and healthcare.