MONOLITHIC INTEGRATION OF MICROLENS ARRAYS AND FIBER HOLDER ARRAYS IN POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) WITH FIBER SELF-CENTERING

For many fiber applications the precise spacing from one fiber to another and the collimation of the outgoing light are important subjects. In the case of three-dimensional arrangements, such as fiber arrays, the complexity increases. The method of proton irradiation of poly(methyl methacrylate) permits the fabrication of slightly fan-shaped fiber holder arrays that can correct inhomogeneities of the fiber diameters in the micrometer range. Even a three-dimensional monolithic integration of fiber holders and corresponding microlenses can be achieved.