INGENERIC MLAs
Spherical & Aspherical Microlens Arrays
INGENERIC Microlens Arrays
Spherical and aspherical microlens arrays focus or collimate light in two dimensions. Each lenslet processes a complete optical channel, producing a defined point focus or a collimated beam. This makes the arrays suitable for the parallel collimation of light sources, coupling into fibers or waveguides, structured illumination, and imaging onto sensor surfaces.
Spherical lenslets have a constant radius of curvature. They offer a straightforward technical solution for applications where residual spherical aberrations fall within permissible system limits. Aspherical lenslets intentionally deviate from the spherical shape. This allows for the reduction of aberrations, the optimization of focus profiles, and the realization of more compact optical systems.
Custom MLAs with flexible geometry
The lenslets can be arranged linearly, two-dimensionally, or hexagonally. Round and rectangular apertures allow for adaptation to the geometry of the light source, detector, or optical channel. High fill factors and small dead zones ensure that a large proportion of the array area can be utilized optically.
In addition, complex aspherical meniscus designs with convex and concave surfaces are possible. Individual lenslets in a multichannel array can have different radii, focal lengths or optical functions. For example, multiple imaging or spectral channels can be combined in a monolithic glass array.
Technical Highlights:
Focus on Our Spherical and Aspherical MLAs
Choose from our standard products or contact us for a customized solution.
| Lens type | Size [mm] | QTY of lenslets | Arrangement | EFL [mm] | PE [mm] | D [mrad] | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLA-SPH-PL-CX-0.70 | 5.0 x 4.0 x 0.577 | 16 | 1x16 | 0.70 | 0.25 | 0.25 | K-VC89 |
| MLA-ASPH-PL-CX-3.25 | 18.0 x 16.0 x 1.055 | 100 | 10 x 10 | 3.25 | 1.5 (PEx, PEy) | 1.5 | K-VC89 |
| MLA-SPH-PL-CX-3.2 | 10.0 x 10.0 | 40 | linear | 3.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | K-VC89 |
| MLA-ASPH-PL-CX-0.72 | 15.0 x 12.0 | 20 | linear | 0.72 | 3.2 | 1.3 | K-VC89 |
| MLA-ASPH-PL-CX-2.28 | 8.0 x 6.0 | 9 | linear | 2.28 | 1.1 … 1.3 | 1.0 | L-BSL7 |
Material: Optical glass (material with a high refractive index)
Max. dimensions: approx. 45.0 x 45.0 mm
EFL: 0.25 … 5.0 mm
Lens diameter: 0.125 … 3.0 mm
Lens aperture: round, rectangular
Arrangement: linear, hexagonal
Number of lenses per array: 5 … 2000
Pitch: 0.125 … 4.0 mm
Pitch accuracy: < 2 µm over 25 mm
EFL tolerance:<1%*
Geometric accuracy: < 250 nm
Dead zones: <10 µm
Center thickness accuracy: < 20 µm
*) High relative radius tolerance (< 0.2%)
Precision manufacturing to industrial standards:
Isothermal Precision Glass Molding
Our manufacturing process offers numerous advantages:
The result is micro-optics and lens arrays that offer series-production quality, stability, and excellent reproducibility.
Additional Services:
Custom lenslet geometries
Design and optimization of spherical, aspheric, and convex-concave surfaces, including Q-type aspheres and meniscus designs.
Individual channel and array parameters
Adaptation of focal length, pitch, radii, and surface profiles to emitter, fiber, waveguide, or sensor arrays. Different optical functions can be combined within a single array.
Multispectral design and coating
Matching individual lenslets, optical functions, and anti-reflective coatings to different wavelength ranges and spectral channels to optimize transmission and light output.
Alignment and mounting features
Integration of fiducial markings, stand-offs, markings, and mechanical reference geometries.
Development services
Support from our development engineers – from the initial feasibility assessment and prototypes through to production-ready manufacturing.
Quality
For spherical and aspherical arrays, the uniformity of pitch, radius, focal length, and shape is a decisive factor in optical performance. INGENERIC verifies these and other specification-relevant parameters using appropriate metrology and documents compliance with the agreed requirements.
Reproducible manufacturing supports consistent channel-to-channel performance, stable focal positions, and uniform imaging characteristics. Depending on the design, surface quality, center thickness, and transition zones can also be included in quality assurance.
Upon request, an application-specific test setup can be developed to evaluate collimation, imaging, or coupling functions under conditions that closely replicate the intended operational environment. This minimizes discrepancies between internal characterization and system-level measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Where are INGENERIC products manufactured?
Our products are manufactured in Germany at our company headquarters. Production is therefore subject to strict German and European quality and regulatory standards, ensuring high process reliability and consistent product quality. If required (e.g., due to customer-specific supply chain requirements), certain processes can be outsourced through our extensive partner network.
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—or non-recurring engineering costs, also known as 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 cost calculation.
Is volume production possible?
INGENERIC covers the entire process chain in-house - from optical design and tool manufacturing to glass molding, backend processes, and quality assurance.
This enables efficient production of both prototypes and high-volume series with consistent quality.
This enables efficient production of both prototypes and high-volume series with consistent quality.
Get in Touch!
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!
