Investigation of optical performance of gradient index microlens by mode matching method
Microlens arrays are widely used in 3D display, optical communication, etc. Microlens fabricated by ion-exchange method have a gradient refraction index distribution, whose performance could hardly be simulated by means of light ray tracing since optical rays follow a sinusoidal propagation path within a gradient index (GRIN) microlens. Here we use mode matching method (MMM) to investigate light propagation through a GRIN microlens. Since MMM is usually used in simulation of light propagation in waveguides, to check its validity for microlens, we first used MMM to study a cylindrical microlens with homogeneous refraction index distribution. From obtained results of the total light field for different wavelengths, we can see clearly how a cylindrical microlens focuses a parallel light beam, which agreed well with that by light ray tracing. Then we calculated exact 2D light field distribution over the entire light path for a GRIN microlens. The derived focal length also agreed well with preset value.
Keywords: Optical information, 3D display, GRIN Microlens, Mode Matching Method.
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ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Havyarimana Claver
Havyarimana Claver received B.E degree and M.Phil. degree from University of Burundi in 2003 and 2009 respectively, all in physics. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in Central China Normal University, College of Physical Science and Technology. His research interest is modeling, design and simulation of optical communication devices.
Li Yalan
Li Yalan received B.E degree in physics from Hunan University of Science and Technology in 2004, and M.E. Degree in electronic circuit and system from Central China Normal University in 2007. She is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree. Her research interests are photoelectric technology and digital signal processing.
Li Zhiyang
Li Zhiyang received Bachelor degree, Master degree and Ph.D. degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 1984, 1991 and 1998 respectively, the former two were in optical engineering while the last one in solid state electronics. He is currently a professor in Central China Normal University, College of Physical Science and Technology. His current research interests include optical wavefront reconstruction, integrated optics, 3D display, etc.
Havyarimana Claver
Havyarimana Claver received B.E degree and M.Phil. degree from University of Burundi in 2003 and 2009 respectively, all in physics. He is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in Central China Normal University, College of Physical Science and Technology. His research interest is modeling, design and simulation of optical communication devices.
Li Yalan
Li Yalan received B.E degree in physics from Hunan University of Science and Technology in 2004, and M.E. Degree in electronic circuit and system from Central China Normal University in 2007. She is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree. Her research interests are photoelectric technology and digital signal processing.
Li Zhiyang
Li Zhiyang received Bachelor degree, Master degree and Ph.D. degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 1984, 1991 and 1998 respectively, the former two were in optical engineering while the last one in solid state electronics. He is currently a professor in Central China Normal University, College of Physical Science and Technology. His current research interests include optical wavefront reconstruction, integrated optics, 3D display, etc.
