Abstract

This paper presents the light-focusing properties of a gradient-index rod lens with a spherical end surface which aims at increasing numerical aperture and decreasing lens aberration. Optimum refractive-index profiles for obtaining a smaller focused spot are derived, and the increase of numerical aperture is clarified. Experimental results are described; the Selfoc microlens with a spherical end surface realizes a focused spot below 2 μm in diameter.

© 1982 Optical Society of America

Aberration improvement of Selfoc lenses

T. Miyazawa, K. Okada, T. Kubo, K. Nishizawa, I. Kitano, and K. Iga
Appl. Opt. 19(7) 1113-1116 (1980)

Ray traces in a distributed-index planar microlens

Kenichi Iga, Masahiro Oikawa, and Junichi Banno
Appl. Opt. 21(19) 3451-3455 (1982)

Design of gradient-index spherical lenses for optical pickup systems

K. Kikuchi, S. Ishihara, H. Shimizu, and J. Shimada
Appl. Opt. 19(7) 1076-1080 (1980)

Evaluation of microlens properties in the presence of high spherical aberration

Markus Testorf and Stefan Sinzinger
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Wave-front aberration measurements on GRIN-rod lenses

T. W. Cline and R. B. Jander
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