Adaptive packaging solution for a microlens array placed over a micro-UV-LED array

In this article a versatile packaging solution is presented that allows the static and active alignment of a microlens array that is to be placed over a microUV-LED array. A modified UV-LIGA process is applied for building up the structure. For the static approach, the microlens array rests on four posts with the aim of reducing the contact area between the two parts, hence reducing the probability of vertical misalignment. The fine height adjustment is done by electroplating a certain thickness to the electrodes where the posts are being placed. Since the electrodes can be individually addressed, a possible tilt, caused by uneven post heights, can be compensated. With minimal modifications, the structure can be rendered into a dynamic alignment system, featuring actuators for vertical and lateral movement. Even though the microlens array is part of the actuator itself, it is not connected to any potential or energy sources. A magnetic actuator is proposed and partly tested that is capable of simultaneously perform a lateral movement while the vertical actuation is in progress. As a restoring means, a gel material is used as a precursor for a photo-patternable PDMS structure. © 2008 International Federation for Information Processing.