Application of plasma polymerization on ophthalmic lenses: equipment and processes

Christian Wohlrab; Markus Hofer

doi:10.1117/12.205677

1 September 1995 Application of plasma polymerization on ophthalmic lenses: equipment and processes

Christian Wohlrab, Markus Hofer

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 34, Issue 9, (September 1995). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.205677

Abstract

The use of plastic as a substrate material for optical lenses has been increasing in importance due to its smaller density, simpler machining, and lower price. However, scratches present a major problem wherever the lens surface is exposed to the environment. Various processes have thus been developed to protect the surfaces with hard coatings. The most common technique is dipping, but spinning and spraying are other methods to apply lacquer. Common to all these techniques are the required posttreatments such as drying and heat or UV curing. Safety considerations, as well as the long processing time and the handling required between the different steps, have led to the development of new technologies. Plasma polymerization, a technology relying on plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, is used to deposit dense organic layers with reproducible, well-defined surface properties. In contrast to dip coating, plasma polymerization coats even strongly curved structures with good uniformity. This is important for bifocal or trifocal lenses, which have sharp edges on the surface. Due to the wide range of refraction indexes (about n = 1.5 to 1.8) available by using different monomers, even the latest high-index materials can be coated without disturbing interference fringes. After a survey of plasma polymerization basics, some aspects of industrial equipment and processes for ophthalmic applications are presented. An outlook into the future of plasma polymerization for optical applications concludes the paper.

Citation Download Citation

Christian Wohlrab and Markus Hofer "Application of plasma polymerization on ophthalmic lenses: equipment and processes," Optical Engineering 34(9), (1 September 1995). https://doi.org/10.1117/12.205677

Published: 1 September 1995

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available