Water droplets form a spherical surface due to surface tension, and changing the size of the droplets can vary their radius. In this study, we investigated the possible realization of a droplet as a lens by laser processing. Silica glass was used as a workpiece. A defocused ArF excimer laser beam was irradiated to the glass with / without droplets. As a result, the laser beam could be focused by the droplets and caused cracks inside of the glass not at the surface. Changing the size of the droplets and the wettability of the glass enables the control of focal length.
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© 2003 Laser Institute of America.
2003
Laser Institute of America
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