On-line monitoring of one-step laser fabrication of micro-optical components

2002

The use of an on-line monitoring method based on photoelasticity techniques for the fabrication of micro-optical components by means of controlled laser heating is described. From this description it is possible to show in real time the mechanical stresses that form the microelement. A new parameter, stressed area, is introduced that quantifies the stresses of a microelement during its fabrication, facilitating a deeper understanding of the physical phenomena involved in the process as well as being a useful test of quality. It also permits the stress produced in the manufacturing process and the optical properties of the final microelement to be correlated. The results for several microlen…