Micro-optics

Micro- optical components are components of classic optics ( lenses , mirrors , prisms ), the dimensions of which are only a few orders of magnitude greater than the wavelength λ of the light passing through them . Due to these proportions, the wave characteristics of the light come to the fore. Essentially, the same imaging laws apply to micro- optics as to classic optics. However, in this context, classic optics are often referred to as macro-optics, in order to illustrate the differences to micro-optics.

Since micro-optical components should be small, the usable beam radii are also correspondingly small. Diffraction effects can no longer be neglected. The Rayleigh length , i.e. the length over which a light beam is not significantly changed by diffraction, is therefore comparatively small. The following applies to a Gaussian beam : ${\displaystyle w_{0}}$ ${\displaystyle z_{0}}$

${\displaystyle z_{0}={\frac {\pi w_{0}^{2}}{\lambda }}}$

Web links

• Micro-optics for image sensors - application example of microlenses and manufacturing processes (PDF file; 89 kB)