Microlens Array Components for Light Transport

Did You Know?

Did you know that high-quality microlens arrays can reach fill factors above 95%, meaning almost the entire substrate area contributes to focusing, which is critical in CMOS image sensors to recover quantum efficiency lost to metal interconnects? By tailoring the f-number and pitch of each microlens to match pixel geometry (e.g., 1–10 µm pitch with f/# ~1–2), designers can significantly boost signal in low-light conditions while controlling crosstalk. Microlens arrays are also used to generate well-defined spot arrays or to homogenize laser beams, often relying on diffraction and interference effects that become non-negligible when lens pitch approaches the optical wavelength.
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Frequently Asked Questions

A microlens array is a regular 1D or 2D grid of miniature lenses fabricated on a common substrate, used to spatially redistribute, focus, or collimate light across many channels in parallel. Each microlens operates independently, but together they shape the wavefront or intensity distribution, for example converting a multimode beam into a homogenized top-hat profile or sampling a wavefront in Shack–Hartmann sensors.

What Is a Microlens Array?

A Microlens Array is an optical component consisting of a dense grid of small lenses fabricated on a transparent substrate. Each microlens in the Microlens Array focuses or redistributes incident light, enabling precise control of beam shape, intensity, and angular distribution. For light transport applications, a Microlens Array is used to homogenize, collimate, or couple light between sources, waveguides, and detectors.

Typical Specifications of a Microlens Array

On FindLight you can source a Microlens Array with diverse configurations tailored to R&D and OEM integration. Key parameters include:

  • Lens pitch: center-to-center spacing, often from a few micrometers to several hundred micrometers.
  • Aperture diameter: active lens area relative to the pitch, impacting fill factor and throughput.
  • Focal length and NA: controls focusing strength and coupling efficiency into fibers, waveguides, or detectors.
  • Array geometry: one-dimensional or two-dimensional Microlens Array layouts (linear, square, hexagonal).
  • Substrate material: fused silica, borosilicate glass, polymers, or semiconductor materials for specific wavelength ranges.
  • Wavelength range and AR coatings: UV, visible, NIR, or IR-optimized Microlens Array designs, with single or broadband coatings.
  • Surface profile: refractive spherical/aspherical or diffractive/hybrid structures for tailored beam shaping.
  • Dimensional tolerances: lens height, sag, surface quality, and alignment accuracy across the array.

Common Use Cases

Microlens Array components on this page support beam homogenization in projection systems, coupling between diode laser bars and fibers, illumination uniformity in microscopy, sensor pixel coupling in image sensors, and light transport in integrated photonic circuits. A Microlens Array is also used in 3D imaging, LiDAR, and optical interconnects where controlled redistribution of light is critical.

Buyer Guidance on FindLight

When selecting a Microlens Array, compare lens pitch, focal length, numerical aperture, and material versus your source size, wavelength, and target plane. Evaluate coating options for your spectral band and power density, and check array size and pattern to match your detector or waveguide layout.

Each Microlens Array listing on FindLight provides detailed specifications. You can request quotes or technical clarification directly from suppliers without registration, enabling rapid comparison of multiple Microlens Array options for prototyping or volume deployment.