Chalcogenide-glass microlenses attached to optical-fiber end surfaces

Convex microlenses of As2S3 glass have been fabricated on oxide-glass fiber ends by use of a photolithographic technique. As2S3 film evaporated on the end surface of an optical fiber is exposed to light through the opposite e nd surface, and the film etching is observed under a microscope. This proce ss produces a lens that is automatically positioned on the fiber core. The As2S3 film possesses a high refractive index, which is favorable for produc tion of microlenses with short focal lengths of similar to 10 mum. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America.