Microlenses focal length measurement using Z-scan and parallel moiré deflectometry

• Published in: Optics and lasers in engineering 2013-12, Vol.51 (12), p.1321-1326
• Main Authors: Rasouli, Saifollah, Rajabi, Y., Sarabi, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beams (radiation); Convergence; Deflection; Effective focal length; Laser beams; Lasers; Lenses; Microlens; Microlenses; Moire fringes; Parallel moiré deflectometry
• ISSN: 0143-8166; 1873-0302
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlaseng.2013.05.012

In this paper, a simple and accurate method based on Z-scan and parallel moiré deflectometry for measuring the focal length of microlenses is reported. A laser beam is focused by one lens and is re-collimated by another lens, and then strikes a parallel moiré deflectometer. In the presence of a microlens near the focal point of the first lens, the radius of curvature of the beam is changed; the parallel moiré fringes are formed only due to the beam divergence or convergence. The focal length of the microlens is obtained from the moiré fringe period graph without the need to know the position of the principal planes. This method is simple, more reliable, and completely automated. The implementation of the method is straightforward. Since a focused laser beam and Z-scan in free space are used, it can be employed for determining small focal lengths of small size microlenses without serious limitation on their size. •An accurate and fully automated method for microlens focal length measurement is presented.•The method is based on z-scan and parallel moiré deflectometry.•Measurement is possible without knowing the position of the principal planes of the microlens.•The implementation of the method is straightforward.