Micro optical glass lens array for LED light collimation

Environmentally friendly illumination use LEDs due to their long lifetime and high efficiency. LEDs emit light under a broad emission angle (typical full width half maximum angle of ±65°). Such a broad emission angle needs a special designed lens for good light collimation. A micro optical lens has the advantage of a compact set-up, but must include the extended source of the LED - besides the broad emission angle. SCHOTT presents a special micro optical lens design that includes the broad emission angle and the extended source of the LED. Good collimation can only be achieved using an asphere and high refractive index optical glass. The micro optical aspherical lens (diameter: 5mm) is made out of optical glass (nd = 1.80). The lens is part of a micro optical lens array in order to include a number of LEDs for high brightness and for a compact set-up. Optical glass has the significant advantage of high refractive index, high UV durability, high resistance to moisture, chemicals, and temperature compared to polymer. The design of a collimating micro optical lens array as well as the manufacturing results using SCHOTT’s precise pressing technology is presented in comparison.