Patent ID: 7682147
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for forming an array of microlenses under artificial gravity, comprising: a substrate having a plurality of circular mesas formed therein; a photopolymer droplet positioned atop each of said circular mesas; a rotatably mounted disc adapted for rotation about a central axis of rotation; said disc having a top wall of first predetermined diameter, a bottom wall of second predetermined diameter less than said first predetermined diameter, and a sidewall interconnecting said top and bottom walls to one another, said sidewall presenting a wedge-shaped profile when viewed in side elevation; the substrate secured to said side wall; a rotor housing that is concentrically mounted with respect to said central axis of rotation of said disc disposed in encircling relation to said disc; a plurality of UV light sources positioned in circumferential spacing around an inside wall of said rotor housing so that a uniform light intensity impinges upon each photopolymer droplet regardless of its instantaneous position; a housing covering each substrate; a UV-transparent window means formed in each housing; whereby rotation of said disc about said central axis with a predetermined time profile of rotational speed for a predetermined amount of time forms said array of miocrolenses.