Abstract

Recently there has been interest in the development of processes for fabricating gradient index (GRIN) lenses, the profile of which is expressed by Here, n₀ is the index on the center axis, r is the distance from the center axis and g is the focusing factor. New process, termed "molecular stuffing process" was currently developed for fabricating radially distributed index profiles.[1,2]. This process offers a possibility of making large sized lenses, but there have been no accurate measurements and analyses of their index profiles and aberration characteristics. The purpose of this study is to find the optimum fabrication conditions for parabolic profiles and to evaluate the optical characteristics of lenses made by the molecular stuffing technique.

© 1984 Optical Society of America