Micro-optics fabrication by ink-jet printing

The micro-optics fabrication by ink-jet printing is discussed. It is found that the cost of performing the beam-shaping step is significantly improved by ink-jet printing arrays of microlenses in situ above the emitter facets of the diode laser bars. The optical application of microjet technology includes the fabrication of multifunctional fiber optic biochemical sensors with potential use in clinical diagnosis and manufacturing process control.