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INGENERIC MLAs

Microlens arrays for collimation, homogenization, and light coupling

INGENERIC MLA

INGENERIC microlens arrays are precision micro-optics made of optical glass that combine multiple precisely positioned lens elements into a single monolithic component. They are used to selectively collimate, homogenize, focus, or transform light, or to efficiently couple it into optical systems. This makes them suitable for demanding optical systems requiring multiple channels, compact designs, and reproducible optical properties.

The arrays can be implemented as 1D or 2D microlens arrays. Optical functions can be tailored to the specific application through the precise tuning of focal length, pitch, aperture, lens geometry, and array layout.

INGENERIC MLA

INGENERIC manufactures custom microlens arrays featuring spherical, aspherical, cylindrical, acylindrical, and toric lens geometries. Depending on the design, plano-convex, biconvex, and convex-concave geometries are possible. Apertures can be circular or rectangular, and the lens arrangement may be linear, two-dimensional, or hexagonal. Individual array structures typically fall within the sub-millimeter range, while the overall array size is adapted to the specific optical system; total dimensions of up to 50 x 50 mm² are possible.

Thanks to their monolithic glass structure, microlens arrays combine high optical precision with robust mechanical and thermal stability. They facilitate compact system architectures, reduce the effort required for assembly and alignment compared to solutions using numerous individual lenses, and ensure reliable performance in series production.

Technical Highlights:

Glass MLAs offer a precise, compact and mass-producible solution for optical systems with multiple channels or recurring optical functions. Crucial here are not only the optical properties of individual lenses but also the uniformity across the entire array.

Precise
light shaping
Targeted collimation, homogenization, and coupling.
High channel-to-channel uniformity
Tight tolerances ensure consistent performance across all lenslets.
Low pitch errors for precise beam positioning
Precise lens positioning reduces beam aberrations and supports stable coupling.
Minimal dead zones
Increase the usable optical area and reduce losses caused by aperture restriction or crosstalk.
Monolithic glass structure
Reduces assembly and alignment effort during production – for lower component costs.

High design flexibility
Optical and mechanical parameters can be designed to suit specific projects.

Compact integration
MLAs enable high optical functionality within a limited installation space.
High reproducibility
The scalable process is suitable for prototypes up to series production.
Optical efficiency
Minimized transition zones for high transmission and low optical losses.
Precision manufacturing to industrial standards:

Isothermal Precision Glass Molding

Our manufacturing process offers numerous advantages:

Wafer-scale optics manufacturing for high volumes and cost-efficiency

Extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for precise optical properties

Precision molding for high geometric accuracy and uniformity

In-mold compression molding for high reproducibility of the optical shape

In-house metrology for inspecting optical and geometric properties

Automated assembly processes for reproducible optical alignment

Thermally stable optical glasses with low absorption

Great geometric freedom for custom designs

About our process chain

The result is micro-optics and lens arrays that offer series-production quality, stability, and excellent reproducibility.

Additional Services:

Custom optical design
Determining focal length, pitch, aperture, array size, lenslet geometry, optical function, and system integration is part of the services we offer for custom requirement profiles.
Design-in phase for precision glass molding
Our technical experts are happy to assist with the evaluation of glass selection, center thickness, transition zones, tolerances, steep angles, and manufacturable geometry.
Prototypes to serial production
We offer professional support ranging from initial samples and demonstrators to small-batch series and reproducible high-volume production.
Coatings and optical surface functions
Our portfolio also includes anti-reflective coatings, project-specific coatings, and optical surface functions designed to enhance transmission and system efficiency.
Markings and alignment features
We offer fiducial markings, stand-offs, circular markers, cross-shaped alignment marks, or support structures to facilitate positioning and assembly.
Dicing, cleaning, and inspection
Singulation, format adjustment, cleaning, surface inspection, and preparation for industrial assembly processes are, of course, part of our standard processes.
Alternative optical combinations and modules
We enable the combination of microlens arrays with other optical elements or pre-assembled units, provided this makes sense for the system design.

Quality

INGENERIC relies on rigorous quality management and comprehensive metrological testing of relevant product characteristics. Depending on the specifications, these include—among other parameters—pitch, radius, focal length, form error, center thickness, surface quality, and transition zones. This ensures that the manufactured microlens arrays reliably meet the defined optical and geometric requirements.

INGENERIC possesses extensive metrology equipment for quality assurance purposes. Relevant parameters can be monitored and documented on a project-specific basis and compared against the requirements of the intended application. Upon request, a custom test setup can also be implemented to verify optical characteristics under conditions simulating actual use, thereby minimizing discrepancies between laboratory testing and final deployment.

Combined with reproducible manufacturing technology, the result is glass optics offering consistent series quality, uniform optical properties, and reliable performance. This makes INGENERIC microlens arrays suitable for applications where precise collimation, homogeneous light distribution, stable coupling, and long-term reproducible system performance are critical.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What advantages does the precision blank molding process offer?
Precision glass molding enables the cost-effective production of complex optical geometries with very high form accuracy. In addition to sub-micrometer form accuracy, the process is characterized by excellent surface quality and high reproducibility. This makes the technology suitable for both prototypes and cost-efficient series production.
How does a custom development project proceed?
The development process typically begins with the signing of a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement. This is followed by technical coordination between the customer and the development team. After the design phase, tooling is produced and initial prototypes are manufactured. Once validation is successfully completed, serial production can commence.
What are NRE costs?
NRE costs—so-called Non-Recurring Engineering costs or initial costs—are one-time expenses for the development and manufacture of tooling required to produce custom optical components.

At INGENERIC, the cost of refurbishing tooling due to wear is included in the product pricing.

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INGENERIC – Your Partner for Precision Optical Solutions

Do you have suggestions, specific requirements, or a concrete enquiry? We can help you select the right micro-optics for your application—from standard components to customised solutions. Please feel free to contact us for personal advice or an individual quotation.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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