Precision glass aspherical lens manufacturing by compression molding: a review

Precision aspherical lenses are in high demand for a wide range of industrial and consumer products. While plastic lenses have gained popularity for low cost and flexibility, glass remains the superior material for high-end optics for its exceptional optical properties. Glass molding is a modern manufacturing technique that offers both high precision and affordability. This review, aimed at both academic and industrial communities, provides a brief history of this technology followed by a detailed discussion of the fundamental physics and modeling involved in the molding process. The review also includes a brief discussion of optical design and forming equipment but focuses on the molding process. In addition to conventional methods, we also cover special molding techniques like rapid heating and wafer-level glass molding, as well as the molding of chalcogenide glass lenses. By examining key developments in material modeling, mold fabrication, heat transfer and process optimization, this review aims to support ongoing advancements for next-generation precision optical manufacturing processes.