Freeform micromachining of an infrared Alvarez lens

Paul J. Smilie; Brian S. Dutterer; Jennifer L. Lineberger; Matthew A. Davies; Thomas J. Suleski

doi:10.1117/12.876159

14 February 2011 Freeform micromachining of an infrared Alvarez lens

Paul J. Smilie, Brian S. Dutterer, Jennifer L. Lineberger, Matthew A. Davies, Thomas J. Suleski

Proceedings Volume 7927, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics IV; 79270K (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.876159
Event: SPIE MOEMS-MEMS, 2011, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

In 1967, Luis Alvarez introduced a novel concept for a focusing lens whereby two transmitting elements with cubic polynomial surfaces yield a composite lens of variable focal length with small lateral shifts. Computer simulations have demonstrated the behavior of these devices, but fabricating the refractive cubic surfaces of the types needed with adequate precision and depth modulation has proven to be challenging using standard methods, and, to the authors' knowledge, Alvarez lens elements have not been previously machined in infrared materials. Recent developments in freeform diamond machining capability have enabled the fabrication of such devices. In this paper, we discuss the fabrication of freeform refractive Alvarez elements in germanium using diamond micro-milling on a five-axis Moore Nanotech® 350FG Freeform Generator. Machining approaches are discussed, and measurements of surface figure and finish are presented. Initial experimental tests of optical performance are also discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Paul J. Smilie, Brian S. Dutterer, Jennifer L. Lineberger, Matthew A. Davies, and Thomas J. Suleski "Freeform micromachining of an infrared Alvarez lens", Proc. SPIE 7927, Advanced Fabrication Technologies for Micro/Nano Optics and Photonics IV, 79270K (14 February 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.876159

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available