3D printed plano-freeform optics for non-coherent discontinuous beam shaping

The design, fabrication, and characterization of freeform optics for LED-based complex target irradiance distribution are challenging. Here, we investigate a 3D printing technology called Printoptical (R) technology in order to relax or push forward both the fabrication limits and LED-based applications of thick freeform lenses with small slope features. The freeform designs are carried out with an assumption of small-sized LED source using an existing point-source-based Tailoring method, which is available in the semi-commercial software. The numerical methods of the designs are characterized by ray-tracing software. The irradiance patterns of the 3D printed freeform lenses are promising considering the average shape conformity deviation of around +/- 40 mu m and center area surface roughness around +/- 12 nm, which is to our knowledge by far the best result reported for 3D printed freeform lenses with a thickness greater than 1 mm. Applications of freeform lenses with discontinuous target irradiance distribution patterns are expected in eco-friendly energy efficient lighting such as in zebra-cross lighting.