Self-Organization of Microlens Arrays Caused by the Spin-Coating-Assisted Hydrophobic Effect

A simple, low-cost, low-temperature, and shape-controllable approach has been demonstrated to fabricate polymer microlens arrays (MLAs). By using microcontact printing of the self-assembled monolayers and then spin coating, the microlenses were able to organize themselves on the patterned glass substrate. High-quality MLAs made of NOA65 prepolymer with lens-diameters of 50, 75, and 100 mum have been fabricated by this method. Lens shapes can be controlled by changing the spin rates of the prepolymer coating. Optical measurements have revealed an excellent light-collecting capability from the fabricated MLAs. It is anticipated that the technique will be ideally suited to low-cost and high-volume production