Micro-lens arrays and complex Fresnel lenses have become a key element of any compact camera optics, and the evolution of smartphones and tablets is driving the demand for ever more advanced and miniaturized optics. In addition, micro-lenses are used in wave-front sensors, for fiber coupling, or for homogenizing light sources.
Grayscale lithography is essential for the creation of such state-of-the-art technologies: With it, the molds are generated. Those then are replicated by LIGA to create a metal shim, which in turn is used as a master tool to create replications by molding, imprinting or hot embossing.
Aside from lenses, Grayscale Lithography is utilized to fabricate a multitude of other micro-optical components. Examples are micro prisms, waveguides, blazed gratings or micro-mirrors. In addition, Computer Generated Holograms (CGH) and special security labels are other applications where Grayscale Lithography excels.
Due to the strict requirements in the fabrication of diffraction gratings, standard methods like interference lithography are often not applicable. Direct Write Lithography on the other hand allows fast and precise manufacturing of VLS and standard gratings.
Our DWL series includes a variety of high-performance Grayscale systems: The DWL 66+ represents the ideal Research & Development tool, offering all levels of Grayscale Lithography and a multitude of options. The top-end DWL series (2000 and 4000) comes equipped with air-bearing stage, professional Grayscale package, and high accuracy features as standard.
Key benefits
Our Grayscale Lithography systems are the ideal tool for your Micro-Optics applications, due to the following characteristics:
Products
Our specialist Grayscale tools, the DWL 66+ and the DWL series, are the ultimate choice for your Micro-Optics applications, offering Advanced and Professional Grayscale performance levels. In many instances, the Standard Grayscale level of performance, as available in our MLA series, may also be perfectly appropriate for your requirements. Please consult our experts for advice.