A roadmap for micro-optics fabrication

When considering a roadmap for technology development, the essence of the problem can be framed by two simple questions: 1) Where have we been? and 2) Where do we need to go? The first question is relatively easy to answer with some research, but answering the second requires significantly more effort. In this paper, we address these questions as they relate to the fabrication of diffractive and refractive micro-optics. A brief historical overview of micro-optics fabrication is presented, followed by our predictions on the future of the field. Examples of future applications, technical challenges, and supporting technologies required for manufacturing of different types of micro-optics are discussed.