On the unexpected role of oxygen in the generation of microlens arrays with self-developing photopolymers

Recent results have shown the interest in self-developing photopolymers as optical storage materials. Their main advantage is the absence of a wet chemical post-treatment to reveal the latent images. The self-generating character of a sensitive layer is studied for the fabrication of refractive microlens arrays in the visible range. The kinetic of radical-induced photopolymerization, the effect of molecular oxygen on the reaction rate and the properties of the final photopolymer are outlined. The results focus on the process of relief development and the role of atmospheric oxygen during the generation of refractive microlenses. A structural characterization of micro-optical elements is investigated.