On the unexpected role of oxygen in the generation of microlens arrays with self-developing photopolymers

Recent results have shown the interest in self-developing photopolymers as optical storage materials. Their main advantage is the absence of a wet che mical post-treatment to reveal the latent Images. The self-generating chara cter of a sensitive layer is studied for the fabrication of refractive micr olens arrays in the visible range. The kinetic of radical-induced photopoly merization, the effect of molecular oxygen on the reaction rate and the pro perties of the final photopolymer are outlined. The results focus on the pr ocess of relief development and the role of atmospheric oxygen during the g eneration of refractive microlenses, A structural characterization of micro -optical elements is investigated. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Lt d.