Simulation method for polymer formation in rod lens production

Gradient index plastic lenses produce clear images with little aberration and distortion. However, the distribution of refractive index must be formed in the direction of the radius inside the lens. One production method involves pulling up the core fiber vertically from the polymer solution adjusted to the specific refractive index. Then photopolymerization is caused by applying ultraviolet light. Since the molecules diffuse into the inner shape-forming layer, the monomer component becomes distributed in the radial direction inside the fiber including the core fiber after photopolymerization, creating a distribution of refractive index. We used the model to analyze the composition ratio of monomer components in each layer to produce the ideal parabolic distribution of refractive index.