Molding of soft glass refraction mini lens with hot embossing process for broadband infrared transmission systems

• Hot embossing fabrication of mini refractive lenses made from soft glasses.
• Investigation of glass selection criteria: transmission window, resistance to crystallization, adhesion.
• Selection of lead-bismuth-zinc oxide glass and hot embossing of demonstrator elements.

In this paper we report on the development of small-diameter lenses in soft glass with transmission in infrared till 5 μm using hot embossing method. A fused silica stamps and in-house synthesized tungsten–tellurium–niobate and lead–bismuth–galate glasses are used for replication. Optimization process of hot embossing is presented. Optical properties of replicated lenses were characterized. Resolution of 50 lp/mm is obtained.