Fabrication of hybrid optical line generator by direct machining

In this study, a mold of a line generator consisting of a cylindrical lens array with a triangular diffractive grating was ultra-precision diamond machined with Moore 350FG 5-axis ultra-precision machine. The design and the simulation of the hybrid structure were performed using ray tracing and exact electromagnetic theory. The machined hybrid lens structure was replicated to a UV-curable polymer and was then characterized and tested. The optical measurements show that the hybrid element works as designed.