Quadrilateral Microlens Array

Microlens arrays are typical micro/nano-optical elements: many micrometer-to-millimeter lenslets form a two-dimensional array on one substrate in periodic rectangular, hexagonal, or other arrangements. Each lenslet independently focuses light, modulates phase, divides wavefronts, homogenizes beams, or performs light-field imaging. They provide functions beyond conventional optics, enable new optical systems, and are lightweight, compact, and easily integrated. Definition: quadrilateral microlens arrays have rectangular lenslet apertures, as illustrated below. Key parameters: 1. Pitch, the distance between adjacent lenslet centers, determines array density and is typically tens of micrometers to millimeters; see illustration. 2. EFL, each lenslet's focal length, determines focusing capability; see illustration. 3. Fill factor, the clear-area fraction. 5. Surface shape, mainly spherical, with aspheres also available for precise spherical-aberration correction. Working principles: 1. Focusing. Each lenslet is an independent miniature converging lens following refraction laws. Incident parallel rays refract at its curved surface because lens material and air have different indices. Each lenslet converges the sub-beam within its aperture onto its corresponding focal plane, forming an individual small focus. 2. Imaging. Lenslets are micrometer-to-millimeter convex lenses using geometrical-optics refraction. Their small apertures make diffraction significant, requiring wave-optics analysis in many cases. Parallel rays refract toward the axis and converge at a focus. Focal length f is the distance from focus to principal plane; u is object-to-lens distance and v image-to-lens distance. The source refers to the Gaussian imaging formula without a displayed expression. At infinite object distance, parallel rays focus in the focal plane. At finite distance, a real or virtual image is formed on the other side, as stated in the source. 3. Wavefront division. Physical boundaries of rectangular apertures divide a continuous incident wavefront into discrete sub-wavefronts corresponding to lenslets. After processing by each lenslet, they recombine and overlap at the image plane to create the target light field. 4. Beam convergence. Miniature micrometer-to-millimeter convex lenslets follow geometrical refraction, retaining conventional lenses' converging ability in every element. Manufacturing/customization: the company describes itself as an early Chinese independent developer of precision micro/nano optics, with years of R&D and industrial experience. Its engineers specialize in optical design, micro/nanofabrication, and precision inspection, with extensive practical microlens-array/diffractive-optics experience to solve nonstandard optical designs and process challenges independently. An integrated in-house micro/nanolithography line provides full independent development/production of quadrilateral arrays. Pitch machining accuracy consistently reaches micrometer levels; overall surface uniformity is described as industry-leading, fill factors approach full coverage, and light utilization is high. Substrates include fused silica, silicon, germanium, and ZnSe for UV through far IR. Custom high-performance antireflection and laser-damage-resistant coatings withstand intense lasers and maintain performance at high/low temperatures. The team controls optical simulation, customized structural optimization, prototypes, mass production, and complete outgoing optical inspection. Small research/university prototypes and large industrial orders are supported. Short lead times and dedicated engineer support provide rapid setup and problem correction, with complete solutions for beam shaping/homogenization, Hartmann wavefront sensing, and light-field reconstruction. Quadrilateral arrays are already widely used in Hartmann sensing, light-field imaging, precision laser processing, CCD light coupling, and thermal IR imaging. Stable process precision, quality, and technical after-sales support have secured long-term collaboration with research institutions and listed equipment companies. The company describes itself as one of the few Chinese benchmark manufacturers independently developing and mass-producing the full microlens-array chain, offering technical, capacity, and after-sales assurance for custom work. Image captions: quadrilateral microlens-array schematic; pitch schematic; focal-length schematic; microscope test image; interferometer test image.

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