DOI: 

Optoelektron. napìvprovìd. teh. 61, 171-184 (2026)



E.V. Beliak, O.V. Yevtushevska, Yu.I. Chehil, A.A. Kryuchyn. 


COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO FORMING MICRO-OPTICAL STRUCTURES 


The paper systematizes modern approaches to the classification, formation, and industrial application of micro-optical structures. The main directions of their use in image formation and optical radiation control systems, information photonics, sensors, biophotonics, lighting engineering, and optical identification tools are considered. A multi-level classification of micro-optical elements is proposed based on their functional purpose, the type of optical field transformation, geometric complexity, and spatial organization. Focusing, diffractive, phase, polarization, waveguide, resonance, and information-coded structures are distinguished, along with planar, binary, multi-level, continuous-profile, three-dimensional, periodic, subwavelength, and integrated geometric classes.

A connection has been established between the functional purpose of elements, the complexity of their geometry, and the requirements for lateral and vertical resolution, positioning accuracy, profile reproducibility, and the possibility of further replication. The influence of geometric parameters, profile accuracy, surface quality, defects, spectral stability, and material compatibility on the choice of manufacturing technology has been analyzed. A model has been proposed for determining the average conditional cost of a unit of micro-optical products, with a breakdown of costs into total initial and average operational expenses.

The production modes for making single scientific prototypes, pilot batches, specialized series, and mass-produced products have been systematized, and it has been established that as the batch size grows, the main priorities in production shift from geometric flexibility and quick design modifications to process stability, efficiency, and minimizing unit cost. The results obtained form a unified methodological basis for the comparative evaluation of mask and maskless photolithography, direct laser writing, multiphoton fabrication, as well as nanoimprint and replication technologies for making micro-optical structures.

 

Keywords: micro-optical structures; photolithography; direct laser writing; diffractive optical elements; geometric complexity; production scale; cost.