Abstract

While it is true that polymer optical elements are able to closely emulate their glass counterparts in both exterior appearance and optical surface figure, the design freedoms which are available through the injection molding process permit polymer optical elements to be manufactured in forms which are considerably more complex than are possible in glass. This enables the optical systems designer to integrate several optical and mechanical functions into a single part. The integral molding of spacers, centration flanges, and so on is well publicized and won't be discussed here. Some tradeoff relationships between mechanical complexity and optical quality do exist, however, and these should receive serious consideration in the conception of the instrument.

© 1980 Optical Society of America