Micro optics, characterized by their small size and precise functionality, have opened up new form factors and revenue streams in a number of industries by minimizing SWaP requirements, enabling more efficient and compact optical systems. Standard micro optics are typically a few millimeters in size – think the tip of your pencil or the width of a penny — and are used in industries as diverse as medical devices, data center communications, and augmented reality (AR).

An emerging subset of micro optics is submillimeter micro optics, which are often less than a millimeter in diameter — the size of a single strand of human hair or even dust particles!

These tiny optical components are integral to numerous applications due to their ability to manipulate light with high precision and allow shorter focal lengths for compact systems. In this article, we will explore the applications of micro optics that have enabled new form factors and expanded product lines and markets.

Key Applications

From enhancing medical imaging devices to improving data center infrastructure, micro optics are at the forefront of innovation, driving progress across multiple industries.

Medical Devices

Micro optics have become integral components for medical devices due to their precision and compact size, enabling the shift to wearables, point-of-care solutions, and minimally invasive medicine.

Micro Optics in Endoscopy and Robotics

A key example is the utilization in imaging tools like endoscopes. Endoscopes — used for internal imaging and diagnostics — require high-precision and small-sized optical components to provide clear and detailed images. The use of micro optics in endoscopy enhances the visualization capabilities, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment.

Case Study: Cupris Health

Cupris Health had a challenge to prototype a smartphone-connected ophthalmoscope and otoscope — medical devices used to visualize the inside of the eyes and ears. A standard otoscope has light and a set of lenses.

This project faced a significant optical design challenge: converting a smartphone camera into an otoscope while maintaining high image resolution. Cupris developed an optical design to balance size and resolution, but it needed a specific micro lens that was no longer available.

Ross stepped in to address this challenge. Cupris needed one lens for proof-of-concept testing and 10–12 for prototyping, all for less than $100 each. Ross Optical could meet those price and quantity goals, but the lead time would be 8 weeks. To expedite the process, Ross Optical scoured their network of sources and identified a five-year-old lens of sufficient quality for the proof-of-concept tests.

By the time Cupris was ready for prototyping, Ross had 29 lenses in stock with a reduced lead time of only 3–4 days. 

Data Communication Systems & Data Centers

With the growth of AI and cloud computing, the demand for faster data center connectivity is increasing. Micro optics play a crucial role by enhancing the efficiency and performance of optical interconnects and processing systems. Refractive and diffractive micro optics are being explored to enhance photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and optical switches, replacing traditional electronic interconnects.

Unlike electrical signals, micro optics utilize light signals that enable more efficient data transfer with reduced latency and power consumption. They are also facilitating more effective handling for tasks such as AI processing and large-scale data handling through optical processing — the direct manipulation of optical signals rather than optical-electronic conversions.

This is becoming increasingly important as hyperscalers invest more in the data center industry and hope to increase data rates in a smaller footprint.

Precision Optics Corporation, Ross Optical’s parent company, uses proprietary micro-precision technology to manufacture submillimeter micro lenses as small as 0.37 mm in diameter. In partnership, Ross offers a micro optic catalog with diameters from sub-millimeters to 6.0 mm and several micro optical components available down to 1 mm diameter, including:

• Bi-convex and plano-convex lenses, designed to form and shape light beams
• Achromat lenses, precision-fabricated to reduce chromatic aberration
• Ball lenses, used in many types of coupling devices
• Prisms, shaped to redirect and repurpose light energy
  

Instrumentation and Sensing

Particularly in mechanical and automotive systems, micro optics are being used to support several sensors and measuring systems such as advanced sensing, imaging, and communication.

For example, high-precision micro lenses are integral for cameras and LiDAR systems in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). To capture clear images and precise distance measurements, their optical design enables them to focus light and laser beams with efficiency and accuracy. This can be crucial for features such as obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warnings.

Mechanically, this can also be seen in Microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS), which utilize mechanical, optical, and electrical components to manipulate optical signals. Examples include micro-actuated fiber-optical or integrated optical switches, scanning gratings for spectral analysis, and micro-mirror integrated digital projectors and displays.

Imaging and Visualization

In the field of imaging, micro optics are often used in visualization and gaming devices. There is a wide array of applications, including coupling light, LCDs for digital projectors, smartphone cameras, 3D imaging, and more.

Since micro optics offer a miniaturized and lightweight design, they are optimal for compact and portable devices like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality headsets. These optical components help focus light efficiently, integrate seamless eye-tracking technology, and achieve a wider field of view, providing a more natural and immersive experience.

Another emerging technology is optical computation. Industry leaders are leveraging micro optics for complex computational tasks using light instead of electronic circuits, which foster faster AR and VR systems with lower power consumption.

Challenges of Micro Optics

As micro optics push ever smaller into the submillimeter range, they present new challenges. These components can be difficult to source because of the unique requirements to manufacture without sacrificing quality and performance. Their small size requires a manufacturer with advanced fabrication techniques and specialized materials.

Lead time is another critical factor in sourcing micro optics. Due to the specialized nature of these components, the lead time for manufacturing and delivery can be lengthy. It’s important to work with a supplier that can reduce lead times without compromising high precision.

Micro Optics with Ross Optical

Ross has years of optical experience supplying micro optics to OEM customers. Our in-house expertise in coating technology, testing, inspection, and QA ensures all components meet the highest standards necessary for quality and reliability.

Whether in optical fiber transmission, medical devices, instrumentation, or imaging, discover the right micro optical component for your next project through our micro optics catalog: https://www.rossoptical.com/catalog/micro-optics