The impact of anodic mesh density and halogen anions on the optical characteristics of gradient refractive index microlens arrays fabricated in chalcohalide glass via microthermal poling.

Gradient refractive index microlens arrays (GRIN MLAs), covering the visible to mid-infrared wavelength range, are imprinted in GeS 2 -Ga 2 S 3 -CsX (X = Cl, Br, and I) chalcohalide glasses by an efficient and economical microthermal poling process. This study investigates the impact of anodic mesh number (ranging from 400 to 2000 mesh) and halogen anions on the optical properties, including focal length, resolution, and aberration. Findings reveal that as the mesh number decreases, the focal length and aberration of GRIN MLAs increase. Optimal resolution is achieved with the 500 mesh sample, which also shows the best phase difference performance. The migration depth of Cs+ ions, influenced by halogen anions (from Cl to I), results in contrasting optical properties between lower mesh (400–750) and higher mesh (1000–2000) samples. Notably, the Cl-500 GRIN MLAs demonstrate a focal length of 615.0 μm, a maximum resolution of 6.35 lp/mm, and minimal aberration of −0.0591. These changes are attributed to the predominant transverse and longitudinal migration of Cs+ ions in mesh square areas. This research highlights the relationship between microthermal poling conditions, ion migration, and optical performance, providing valuable insights for the application of GRIN MLAs in advanced optical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]