Patent ID: 6305194
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: C03B

Abstract:
A method for forming an array of optical elements comprising the steps of:(a) forming a first mold half;(b) forming a second mold half with a plurality of predetermined negative optical surface features therein and a central nest area;(c) placing a glass preform in the central nest area;(d) heating the first and second mold halves and the glass preform to at least the glass transition temperature of the glass preform;(e) pressing the glass preform between the first and second mold halves to thereby form an integral array of optical elements, each of the optical elements being a positive of the predetermined negative optical surface features;(f) cooling the integral array of optical elements to below the glass transition temperature; and(g) removing the integral array of optical elements from the first and second mold halves.