Micro/nano-hybrid lens for enhancing light extraction using micro-milling and anodic aluminium oxide (AAO)

In the recent past there has been much research towards increasing the transmission of light in optical systems by reducing the Fresnel reflection of radiation, as the reflection of light from surfaces seriously decreases the performance of an optical device. These drawbacks have been overcome by mainly two methods, which are anti-reflective coating and anti-reflective nanostructure formation. In this study, we developed a simple fabrication process for Al micro/nano hybrid lens (MNHL) moulds for efficient light extraction using micro-milling and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). From these moulds, two different types of polymer MNHL were fabricated using hot-embossing; one was a polymer MNHL that was covered with nanostructures over the entire surface, and the other was one for which only the microlens surface was covered with nanostructures. Two different types of polymer MNHLs were evaluated and compared with each other concerning the light extraction performance. The MNHL with nanostructures only on the microlens surface exhibited a higher light extraction performance than the other by 20.7%. It is expected that the fabricated MNHL can be used for the amplification of small signals when observing the presence of bio-molecules dyed with a fluorescent material.