Bringing Precision Anamorphic Micro-Optics to Consumer-Level Laser Applications

The use of laser light for precise illumination has been limited to high-end applications like optical lithography or small niche markets like measurement technologies. Now that such industries as automotive and consumer electronics are developing and ramping up the production of LIDAR and 3D sensors, laser illumination is scaling in a new direction. For imaging applications, optics made of polymers are already the first choice for such devices as smart cameras. But in order to deliver glass micro-optics with better performance and long-term stability, the cost structure of injection molded polymer optics needed to be addressed.