Freeform microlens arrays: Current and future challenges (Conference Presentation)

Asymmetric (freeform) optical components have gathered a large deal of attention triggered by the substantial performance gains demonstrated in imaging and non-imaging optical systems. In the growing trend for device miniaturization and cost reduction through optical components with relevant dimensions well below the millimetre scale, freeform microlens arrays (FMLAs) are very promising albeit considerably more challenging to design, manufacture and characterize that their macroscopic counterparts. Here, we present some innovative designs, fabrication approaches and characterization strategies developed at CSEM to overcome some of the existing limitations.