Three Dimensional Printing Of Optics

Additive manufacturing - the layered deposition of material - has opened up new design possibilities, approaches, and solutions for optical systems. This Spotlight explores the 3D printing of optical components, including the construction of a printing system, the materials involved, and the printing process, as well as the necessary rework and characteristics of the produced optics. It serves as an introduction to newcomers to the field as well as a resource for experienced users. An undergraduate level of mathematics and basic knowledge of physics are the only prerequisites.