Optomechanical Aspects of Plastic Optics

From an optomechanical point of view there are fundamental differences between glass-based optics and plastic optics. As a consequence, this gives rise to a couple of possibilities such as freedom with respect to design, shaping and structuring optically active surfaces, reduction of weight, implementation of cost-saving mounting methods for optical elements as well as monolithic integration of several optical and mechanical features. However, there are also challenges to deal with, such as much higher photoelastic birefringence, higher thermal expansion coefficients, lower thermal capacity and conductivity. The presentation discusses specific plastic-optical configuration and mounting items, environmental influences as well as tolerancing aspects. Specific attention is given to the optomechanical finite element (FEA) analysis and simulation of plastic optical elements.