Chalcogenide-glass microlenses for optical fibers

Abstract Three types of As2S3 microlenses attached onto end surfaces of optical fibers have been fabricated, and their characteristics are evaluated. These lenses are formed through photostructural transformations induced by He–Ne laser light, which is propagated in the fibers, so that the lenses are automatically positioned at the center of fiber cores. The lenses can be used at red to infrared wavelengths, and a minimal focal length is about 10 μm.