Abstract: A laser array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the laser array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the laser array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the laser array. Fiducial marks are formed when high intensity collimated beams of light are directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: A method of forming fiducial marks on a micro-sized article has at least one optical feature adjacent the micro-sized article that focuses a collimated beam of light onto a surface opposite the mounting surface of the micro-sized article. Fiducial mark is formed on the surface that enables precise alignment of the micro-sized articles.

Abstract: A fiber optic array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the fiber optic array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the fiber optic array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the fiber optic array. Fiducial marks are formed when a high intensity collimated beam of light is directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a molding tool for mold glass optical elements therewith is taught. The method comprises the steps of figuring the molding tool to have a predetermined mold surface; applying an attenuating coating to the predetermined mold surface; implanting metal ions through the attenuating coating and into the predetermined mold surface; and removing the attenuating coating leaving the predetermined mold surface with metal ions implanted therein.

Abstract: A laser array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the laser array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the laser array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the laser array. Fiducial marks are formed when high intensity collimated beams of light are directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microlens array requires at least two fiducial marks formed on a surface of a transparent medium opposite the microlens array. Additional optical features formed on the transparent medium adjacent the microlens array enables precise locationing of fiducial marks on an opposing surface when such surface is exposed to a collimated beam of light. The location of fiducial marks using the method of the invention is about 1 micron or less.

Abstract: A double-sided microlens array and method has a plurality of first microlenses on a first surface opposite a plurality of second microlenses on a second surface of a transparent medium. At least two optical features are arranged on either of the first or second surfaces to form fiducial marks on the opposing surface in the transparent medium. The fiducial marks enable precise alignment of the microlenses in the first and second plurality of microlens arrays.

Abstract: A fiber optic array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the fiber optic array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the fiber optic array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the fiber optic array. Fiducial marks are formed when a high intensity collimated beam of light is directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microlens array requires at least two fiducial marks formed on a surface of a transparent medium opposite the microlens array. Additional optical features formed on the transparent medium adjacent the microlens array enables precise locationing of fiducial marks on an opposing surface when such surface is exposed to a collimated beam of light. The location of fiducial marks using the method of the invention is about 1 micron or less.

Abstract: A method of forming fiducial marks on a micro-sized article has at least one optical feature adjacent the micro-sized article that focuses a collimated beam of light onto a surface opposite the mounting surface of the micro-sized article. Fiducial mark is formed on the surface that enables precise alignment of the micro-sized articles.

Abstract: A double-sided microlens array and method has a plurality of first microlenses on a first surface opposite a plurality of second microlenses on a second surface of a transparent medium. At least two optical features are arranged on either of the first or second surfaces to form fiducial marks on the opposing surface in the transparent medium. The fiducial marks enable precise alignment of the microlenses in the first and second plurality of microlens arrays.

Abstract: A laser array and method of making same has precision fiducial marks that aid in the alignment of the laser array. The invention requires forming additional optical features adjacent to the laser array that is used to write fiducial marks on an opposite surface in the medium containing the laser array. Fiducial marks are formed when high intensity collimated beams of light are directed through the optical features onto a treated portion of the transparent medium. Fiducial accuracies of 1 micron are possible by using this approach.

Abstract: A microlens array has a plurality of microlens supportedly arranged on a first surface of a transparent medium. At least two optical features are formed on a second surface opposite the first surface. Fiducial marks are formed on the second surface by a beam of collimated light directed onto the optical features and focused onto the second surface. Fiducial marks enable precise alignment of the microlenses in the microlens array.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a mold tool for molding optical elements is taught which comprises heating a mold tool blank made from a vitreous material to a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the vitreous material; generating an axial viscosity gradient in the mold tool blank; pressing a punch into an optical quality mold surface of the mold tool blank, the punch including a pressing surface with a predetermined geometry for forming an optical feature; cooling the mold tool blank to a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the material; and removing the punch from the mold tool blank thereby creating the optical feature in the optical quality mold surface. The axial viscosity gradient is achieved by creating an axial thermal gradient.

Abstract: A method for making working mold tools for use in a compression molding process for molding optical glass elements from high temperature glasses having Tg's in the range of from about 400° C. to about 850° C. An yttria aluminosilicate glass is fabricated by traditional melting and casting processes to thereby make an amorphous base material having a minimum apparent viscosity of 1015 poise at the temperature at which the optical glass elements are to be molded. A mold preform is made from the base material. A first surface figure for the optical element to be molded with the working mold tool is defined. A second surface figure for a master mold tool and a third surface figure for the working mold tool are computed based upon the first surface figure and the coefficients of thermal expansion of the optical element, the master mold tool, and the working mold tool, the temperature at which the working mold tool is molded, and the temperature at which the optical element is to be molded.

Abstract: An improved tool is provided for pressing glass into a precision optical element having a strong concave surface. The tool is selected from ceramic and metal materials having coefficients of thermal expansion greater than the coefficient of the pressed glass. Preferred tools include a base material selected from Invar, steel and alumina with a surface layer selected from alumina, zirconia, chromium oxide and chromium carbide, having a finished thickness in the range between ten to two thousand angstroms.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of a composite mirror comprises (1) a substrate of carbon-carbon, (2) intermediate layers of silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, (3) optically polished layers of metals and/or suitable glass (ultralow-expansion or modified fused-silica glass) and (4) an optical coating of high reflectivity. The resulting mirror exhibits desired features including high optical quality and a low coefficient of thermal expansion; such mirrors being well suited to high thermal flux applications. Methods of producing the composite mirror are described.