An integrated solution for compression-molded glass lenses

In glass molding, residual stresses, refractive index variation and geometric deviation are inevitable, and result in aberrations. In order to achieve optimal performance, residual stresses, refractive index variation and geometric deviation have to be taken into account simultaneously and reduced into a reasonable level. This paper proposed an integrated procedure to reduce residual stresses, refractive index variation and geometric deviation. Geometry and refractive index predicted by simulation were used to provide feedback to modify the model geometry design. Measurement of geometry, refractive index and residual stresses before and after annealing confirmed that a post molding step is beneficial.