Imaging-quality 3D-printed centimeter-scale lens

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of imaging-quality optics has been challenging due to the tight tolerances on surface shape and roughness. We report on manufacturing such optics with Print optical Technology, which is based on modified ink-jet printing. We demonstrate for the first time a 3D-printed singlet lens with a surface profile deviation of ±500 nm within a 12-mm aperture diameter. Its RMS surface roughness is below 1 nm without surface polishing. The printed lens exhibits an imaging resolution of some 140 lp mm at 100-mm focal length in the visible region.