Optical design and manufacturing technology for high resolution laser scanning unit

This paper presents optics and fabrication process of key elements in a laser scanning unit for high quality laser beam printers or multi-function printers with over 600dpi optical resolution which today’s commercial system shows. Considering the light sources with different wavelength, optical characteristics in the laser scanning unit which includes a scanning lens and an athermalization element are explained. Also fabrication technologies to realize high resolution laser system such as mold design, core machining and injection molding processes are described. Finally, the hybrid lens as the athermalization element having refractive and diffractive surface is suggested to compensate thermal defocus. The hybrid lens is fabricated and their performance and effect on laser scanning unit are evaluated.