Anamorphic microlens arrays based on breath-figure template with adaptive surface reconstruction

We describe an approach for fabricating anamorphic microlens array films based on a microporous polymer film template created by self-assembly of condensed water droplets. By using a copolymer of hydrophobic and hydrophilic functionalities for the template material, we create an "environmentally responsive" surface. The hydrophilic groups attract water to create the microvoid pattern but upon heating and stretching in dry air the copolymer reorients to create a low surface energy "nonstick" surface. This enables a variety of polymer precursor materials to be coated on the template, cured, and released to provide anamorphic films with the proper mechanical and optical properties. (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics.