Abstract: Plurality of glass droplets are simultaneously dropped toward center of a regular polygon of each unit on a first transfer surface of a first forming die where a plurality of the units is regularly arranged along the same plane, taking, as one unit, three or more first optical transfer surfaces for forming a lens portion placed in such a manner as to overlap vertices of the regular polygon respectively. After the divided glass droplets flow on the first transfer surface, are connected to each other between adjacent units, and are formed into united glass, and before the united glass hardens completely, a second forming die including a plurality of second optical transfer surfaces corresponding respectively to the plurality of first optical transfer surfaces is pressed relatively against the united glass on the first forming die to form the united glass, and released from the dies.

Abstract: A convex fitting portion 30 is provided on a center side to protrude from a support portion 20, and thus, in an assembling process of joining the lens array 100 to another lens array and the like, the lens array 100 can be precisely positioned by being supported from behind. Furthermore, a fitting portion transfer surface 83c forming the convex fitting portion 30 forms a concave portion on the center side of a die at the time of molding of the lens array 100, and thus a volume of a glass droplet, that is, heat capacity is increased, which is advantageous from a viewpoint of making molding of the optical surfaces 11a and 12a stable and highly precise, and the problems such as breakage are less likely to occur.

Abstract: Plurality of glass droplets are simultaneously dropped toward center of a regular polygon of each unit on a first transfer surface of a first forming die where a plurality of the units is regularly arranged along the same plane, taking, as one unit, three or more first optical transfer surfaces for forming a lens portion placed in such a manner as to overlap vertices of the regular polygon respectively. After the divided glass droplets flow on the first transfer surface, are connected to each other between adjacent units, and are formed into united glass, and before the united glass hardens completely, a second forming die including a plurality of second optical transfer surfaces corresponding respectively to the plurality of first optical transfer surfaces is pressed relatively against the united glass on the first forming die to form the united glass, and released from the dies.

Abstract: A convex fitting portion 30 is provided on a center side to protrude from a support portion 20, and thus, in an assembling process of joining the lens array 100 to another lens array and the like, the lens array 100 can be precisely positioned by being supported from behind. Furthermore, a fitting portion transfer surface 83c forming the convex fitting portion 30 forms a concave portion on the center side of a die at the time of molding of the lens array 100, and thus a volume of a glass droplet, that is, heat capacity is increased, which is advantageous from a viewpoint of making molding of the optical surfaces 11a and 12a stable and highly precise, and the problems such as breakage are less likely to occur.

Abstract: To provide a lens unit producing method capable for positioning a lens array with high precision over a long period of time, a lens array, and a lens unit. When the first flat surfaces LA1f come in contact with the respective tapered surfaces HLD1, the glass lens array LA1 cannot rotate more than that for the holder HLD. Meanwhile, since the tapered surfaces HLD1 are regulated by the respective opposite first flat surface LA1f, the glass lens array LA1 cannot move more than that relatively to the holder HLD. That is, by holding the glass lens array LA1 with the holder HLD, the glass lens array LA1 can be positioned with high precision for the holder HLD.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a glass lens resistant to serious damage such as a crack during, for example, transport of a quadrangular glass lens such as a lens array formed by pressing molten glass or a compound lens obtained from the lens array. There are provided step portions 10a and 10c each having a reduced thickness on corners of a quadrangular contour, and hence, even when a corner portion is chipped or cracked during, for example, transport of a compound lens 10, it is possible to prevent the enlargement of the crack in the step portions 10a and 10c. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of serious damage such as a crack which reaches the vicinity of optical surfaces 11d and 12d.

Abstract: Since a lens droplet contacts with an outer shape regulation frame 3 at an early stage and is formed to be a glass lens 100 by pressure in a fluidized state with less deformation, a positioning datum surface 102b and so forth can be formed accurately. Also, as a result that the melt droplet contacts with the outer shape regulation frame 3 at the early stage, a shape of a side surface 103 of the glass lens 100 can be formed accurately, and centering process after formed can be omitted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of efficiently mass-producing square-shaped optical elements having high decentering accuracy. For this reason, a molded article where a plurality of optical elements are arranged is manufactured by one-time molding by using one set of molds. The molded article obtained in such a manner is cut into individual optical elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a manufacturing method of a prism having a first surface provided with a first multilayer film thereon; a second surface provided with a second multilayer film thereon; and third surface provided with a polarizing beam splitting film for transmitting a P-polarized component of light with wavelength of 420 nm or less and reflecting an S-polarized component. The polarizing beam splitting film is provided onto the third surface after the first and second multilayer films are provided onto the first and second surfaces, respectively.