Fabrication of gradient refractive index ball lenses using the method of combination of ion exchanging and sagging

Based on the Fick’s diffusion equations, the distribution function of refractive index of a gradient refractive index ball lens (GRIN ball lens/GBL) is derived. Lithium containing silicate glass is fabricated and GRIN ball lenses (GBLs) which diameters are from 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm are made by the method of combination of Ion exchanging and sagging in sodium nitrate. Refractive index profiles of these GBLs are measured by interferometer, and the performances such as effective focal length (EFL), back focal length (BFL) and numerical aperture (NA) between GBLs and homogeneous ball lenses (HBLs) are compared. Results show that the distribution of the index of refraction is parabolic curve and its Δn is about 0.0002, the performances of the former are super to the latter.