Precision glass molding (PGM) is being considered as an alternative to traditional methods of manufacturing large-volume, high-quality and low-cost optical components. In this process, glass optics is fabricated by replicating optical features from precision molds to glass at elevated temperature. Chalcogenide glasses are emerging as alternative infrared materials for their wide range infrared transmission, high refractive index and low phonon energy. In addition, chalcogenide glasses can be readily molded into precision optics at elevated temperature, slightly above its glass transition temperature (Tg), which in general is much lower compared to oxide glasses. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the thermoforming mechanism of chalcogenide glass around Tg and investigate its refractive index change and residual stresses in molded lens in and post PGM. Firstly, a constitutive model is introduced to precisely predict the material behavior in PGM by integrating subroutines into a commercial finite element method (FEM) software. This modeling approach utilizes the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) equation and Tool-Narayanaswamy-Moynihan (TNM) model to describe (shear) stress relaxation and structural relaxation behaviors, respectively. It is predicted that `index drop’ occurred inside the molded prism due to rapid thermal cycling and the cooling rate above Tg can introduce large geometry deviations to the molded optical lens. Secondly, the refractive index variations inside molded lenses are further evaluated by measuring deviation angle through a prism & wavefront changes through molded lens using a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHS), while the residual stresses trapped inside the molded lenses are obtained by using a birefringence method. Measured results of the molded infrared lenses combining numerical simulation provide an opportunity for optical manufacturers to achieve a better understanding of the mechanism and optical performance variation of chalcogenide glasses in and post PGM. Upon completion of the aforementioned research, two typical micro IR optics are designed, fabricated and tested, an infrared SHS and a large field-of-view (FOV) microlens array, as demonstrations. A novel fabrication method combining virtual spindle based high-speed single-point diamond milling and PGM process is adopted to fabricate infrared microlens array. The uniqueness of the virtual spindle based single-point diamond milling is that the surface features can be constructed sequentially by spacing the virtual spindle axis at an arbitrary position based on a combination of rotational and transitional motions of the machine tool. After the mold insert is machined, it is employed to replicate the optical profile onto chalcogenide glass. On the other hand, an infrared compound-eye system consisting of 3×3 channels for a FOV of 48°×48° is developed. The freeform microlens array on a flat surface is utilized to steer and focus the incident light from all three dimensions (3D) to a two-dimension (2D) infrared imager. Using raytracing, the profiles of the freeform microlenses of each channel are optimized to obtain the best imaging performance. To avoid crosstalk among adjacent channels, a micro aperture array fabricated by 3D printing is mounted between the microlens array and IR imager. The imaging tests of the infrared compound-eye imaging system show that the asymmetrical freeform lenslets are capable of steering and forming legible images within the design FOV. Compared to a conventional infrared camera, this novel microlens array can achieve a considerably larger FOV while maintaining low manufacturing cost without sacrificing image quality. Finally, two rapid heating processes are explored and demonstrated by using graphene-coated silicon as an effective and high-performance mold material for precision glass molding. One process is based on induction heating and the other one is based on mid-infrared radiation. Since the graphene coating is very thin (~45 nm), a high heating rate of 5~20 °C/s can be achieved. The contact surface of the Si mold and the polymer substrate can be heated above the Tg within 20 s and subsequently cooled down to room temperature within tens of seconds after molding. The feasibility of this process is validated by the fabrication of optical gratings, micropillar matrices, and microlens arrays on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) substrate with high precision. The uniformity and surface geometries of the replicated optical elements are evaluated using an optical profilometer. Compared with conventional bulk heating molding process, this novel rapid localized heating process could improve replication efficiency with better geometrical fidelity.

This book highlights the tools and processes used to produce high-quality glass molded optics using commercially available equipment. Combining scientific data with easy-to-understand explanations of specific molding issues and general industry information based on firsthand studies and experimentation, it provides useful formulas for readers involved in developing develop in-house molding capabilities, or those who supply molded glass optics. Many of the techniques described are based on insights gained from industry and research over the past 50 years, and can easily be applied by anyone familiar with glass molding or optics manufacturing. There is an abundance of information from around the globe, but knowledge comes from the application of information, and there is no knowledge without experience. This book provides readers with information, to allow them to gain knowledge and achieve success in their glass molding endeavors.

This book explores oxygen-free chalcogenide glasses, the only commercial transparent vitreous materials used for long-wave infrared radiation. The chalcogenides have been the subject of study around the world for many years, and continue to be an important area of research and development in infrared optics. Written by a renowned glass specialist with extensive experience working with chalcogenide glasses, Glasses for Infrared Optics includes discussions of: Chalcogenide glasses - a unique class of vitreous substances Optical properties of chalcogenide glasses Elaboration of commercial glasses Technological basics for manufacturing optical chalcogenide glasses The material presented in Glasses for Infrared Optics is based on research performed at the Vavilov State Optical Institute in Russia. This is the first and only work that reviews every aspect of chalcogenide glasses. The scope of this comprehensive book is unique, and the major portion of this work has never been published before in English.

Microtechnology has changed our world since the last century, when silicon microelectronics revolutionized sensor, control and communication areas, with applications extending from domotics to automotive, and from security to biomedicine. The present century, however, is also seeing an accelerating pace of innovation in glassy materials; as an example, glass-ceramics, which successfully combine the properties of an amorphous matrix with those of micro- or nano-crystals, offer a very high flexibility of design to chemists, physicists and engineers, who can conceive and implement advanced microdevices. In a very similar way, the synthesis of glassy polymers in a very wide range of chemical structures offers unprecedented potential of applications. The contemporary availability of microfabrication technologies, such as direct laser writing or 3D printing, which add to the most common processes (deposition, lithography and etching), facilitates the development of novel or advanced microdevices based on glassy materials. Biochemical and biomedical sensors, especially with the lab-on-a-chip target, are one of the most evident proofs of the success of this material platform. Other applications have also emerged in environment, food, and chemical industries. The present Special Issue of Micromachines aims at reviewing the current state-of-the-art and presenting perspectives of further development. Contributions related to the technologies, glassy materials, design and fabrication processes, characterization, and, eventually, applications are welcome.

The unique properties and functionalities of chalcogenide glasses make them promising materials for photonic applications. Chalcogenide glasses are transparent from the visible to the near infrared region and can be moulded into lenses or drawn into fibres. They have useful commercial applications as components for lenses for infrared cameras, and chalcogenide glass fibres and optical components are used in waveguides for use with lasers, for optical switching, chemical and temperature sensing and phase change memories. Chalcogenide glasses comprehensively reviews the latest technological advances in this field and the industrial applications of the technology.Part one outlines the preparation methods and properties of chalcogenide glasses, including the thermal properties, structure, and optical properties, before going on to discuss mean coordination and topological constraints in chalcogenide network glasses, and the photo-induced phenomena in chalcogenide glasses. This section also covers the ionic conductivity and physical aging of chalcogenide glasses, deposition techniques for chalcogenide thin films, and transparent chalcogenide glass-ceramics. Part two explores the applications of chalcogenide glasses. Topics discussed include rare-earth-doped chalcogenide glass for lasers and amplifiers, the applications of chalcogenide glasses for infrared sensing, microstructured optical fibres for infrared applications, and chalcogenide glass waveguide devices for all-optical signal processing. This section also discusses the control of light on the nanoscale with chalcogenide thin films, chalcogenide glass resists for lithography, and chalcogenide for phase change optical and electrical memories. The book concludes with an overview of chalcogenide glasses as electrolytes for batteries.Chalcogenide glasses comprehensively reviews the latest technological advances and applications of chalcogenide glasses, and is an essential text for academics, materials scientists and electrical engineers working in the photonics and optoelectronics industry. Outlines preparation methods and properties, and explores applications of chalcogenide glasses. Covers the ionic conductivity and physical aging of chalcogenide glasses, deposition techniques for chalcogenide thin films, and transparent chalcogenide glass-ceramics Discusses the control of light on the nanoscale with chalcogenide thin films, chalcogenide glass resists for lithography, and chalcogenide for phase change optical and electrical memories