Patent ID: 7267930
Filing Date: 2007-09-11
Classification: B33Y,G02B

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing an optical structure comprising: applying a layer of photopolymer material onto a bottom cladding layer, which is formed over a support substrate; providing a patterned grayscale mask that allows a certain pattern of light to pass through the mask at varying intensities; exposing the layer of photopolymer material to light that is directed through the grayscale mask such that selected portions of the photopolymer material are exposed to an exposure gradient of light, the exposure gradient of light having light rays of varying intensities; developing the layer of photopolymer material with a developer solution to remove portions of the layer of photopolymer material such that the remaining portion of the photopolymer material forms a waveguide having a first height and that is integrated with an optical lens having a second height, wherein the second height of the optical lens is greater than the first height of the waveguide; and rinsing the layer of photopolymer material to wash away the removed portions of the photopolymer material.