Planar microlens relay optics utilizing lateral focusing

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Abstract
We have proposed a novel concept of planar microlens relay optics with the goal of realizing alignment-free and multifunctional integrated optical subsystems. Since the planar microlens is one of its key elements, its lateral focusing characteristics were examined. The measured focusing spot size was 3 μm × 7 μm, which is comparable with the core of single-mode optical fibers. By measuring the refractive-index distribution, we found that the planar microlens produced by the electromigration method has a desirable index distribution that resembles that of a Luneburg lens. Thus we conclude that planar microlens relay optics may be facilitated when the lateral focusing property of planar microlenses is used.