What Are Effective Methods for Mounting a Cylinder Microlens?

[pavel_ivanov]

Dear All,

I would like to use a cylinder microlens for fast-axis collimation of a laser diode beam. The length of the lens is 1.06 mm and its diameter is 0.5 mm.

its working distance is 0.06 mm. How to mount the microlens in the front of the laser facet?

I want to use a needle with the lens attached to its end. Any better ideas please?

thank you





PS: I am posting this question in the Physics forum, because physicist frequently use lenses and microlenses.

 

[Andy Resnick]

If I understand how you are using the lens, it's tricky using cylinders because of the additional degree of freedom. There are a couple of mounts that may work:

http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=718
http://search.newport.com/count/24/i/1/nav/1/q2/Opto-Mechanics/q3/Lens%2520Mounts/q4/LABasix/q5/%2524100%2520-%2520%2524200/q6/Adjustable%2520Cylindrical%2520Lens%2520Mount/x2/section/x3/chapter/x4/promo_nonprice/x5/curr.pricerange/x6/family

But the trick is going to be able to accommodate the size and positioning of the optic relative to the diode. You may have to home-brew a mount (like a slot machined through a disc) and stick that into a proper optomechanical mount.

 

[pavel_ivanov]

If I understand how you are using the lens, it's tricky using cylinders because of the additional degree of freedom. There are a couple of mounts that may work:

http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=718
http://search.newport.com/count/24/i/1/nav/1/q2/Opto-Mechanics/q3/Lens%2520Mounts/q4/LABasix/q5/%2524100%2520-%2520%2524200/q6/Adjustable%2520Cylindrical%2520Lens%2520Mount/x2/section/x3/chapter/x4/promo_nonprice/x5/curr.pricerange/x6/family

these mounts look too big for the lens.

But the trick is going to be able to accommodate the size and positioning of the optic relative to the diode. You may have to home-brew a mount (like a slot machined through a disc) and stick that into a proper optomechanical mount.

I like this idea. I can easily etch a trench through a disk using a focused ion beam system. Such kind of mount can also protect the lens and the laser from mechanical damage.
thank you very much

 

[Galiupatiket]

Hi,

there is another approach of fixing a micro lens on virtually any surface. That is femtosecond laser two-photon polymerization process, where you get optical quality lenses with refractive indices of 1.4-1.6 .

Examples:
http://www.wophotonics.com/en/Micro-optics

 

[sardar]

Dear poster,

Thank you for your question. Mounting a microlens can be a delicate process, especially when working with small dimensions such as in the case of a cylinder microlens. There are a few methods that can be used to mount a microlens, and the best approach will depend on your specific application and equipment available.

One approach is to use a needle or a similar tool to carefully place the microlens onto the laser facet. However, this method may require a high level of precision and may be difficult to achieve without specialized tools. Another option is to use an adhesive to secure the microlens onto the laser facet. This method may provide a more secure and stable attachment, but it is important to choose an adhesive that will not damage the lens or affect its performance.

Another possibility is to use a mounting stage or holder specifically designed for microlenses. These can provide a more controlled and precise placement of the lens onto the laser facet. Additionally, some microlenses may come with a mounting mechanism built-in, such as a threaded mount or a clip-on holder.

In any case, it is important to handle the microlens with care and avoid any damage or contamination during the mounting process. It may also be helpful to consult with a specialist or refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific guidance on mounting your particular microlens.

I hope this information helps. Best of luck with your experiment.

Sincerely,
[Your name]