Glass Molding via Phase Transition for Precision Optical Components

The patent applies parameter changes by heating the glass substrate to a temperature above the glass-transition temperature (e.g., 500-700°C) before molding. This thermal parameter change makes the glass temporarily plastic and moldable, allowing precise three-dimensional shapes to be formed without surface degradation from conventional etching or mechanical processing. The high temperature enables the glass to conform to the mold geometry while maintaining surface quality.

The patent utilizes the phase transition of glass at the glass-transition temperature. By heating the glass substrate to above this transition point, the glass transitions from a rigid amorphous solid to a temporarily plastic state that can be deformed and molded. After molding and cooling, the glass returns to its rigid state with the desired three-dimensional shape and high surface quality, avoiding the surface degradation caused by conventional processing methods.

The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the glass substrate to be above the glass-transition temperature during molding. This thermal parameter enables the glass to be shaped into complex three-dimensional geometries with high precision, as the temporarily plastic glass conforms accurately to the mold geometry without the surface degradation and imprecision associated with conventional etching or mechanical processing methods.

The patent exploits the phase transition at the glass-transition temperature to achieve complex three-dimensional shapes with high precision. The glass transitions to a moldable state at elevated temperatures, allowing precise replication of complex geometries from the mold. Upon cooling, the glass solidifies with the desired precise three-dimensional shape and high surface quality, overcoming the limitations of conventional shaping methods.

The patent applies parameter changes by heating the glass substrate to a controlled temperature range above the glass-transition temperature (500-700°C). This parameter change enables the glass to become temporarily plastic and moldable, allowing complex three-dimensional shapes to be formed efficiently. The controlled temperature range optimizes moldability while managing energy consumption, avoiding excessive heating that would waste energy.

The patent utilizes the phase transition at the glass-transition temperature to achieve manufacturability of complex shapes. By heating to this specific transition point and maintaining it during molding, the glass becomes moldable with relatively moderate energy input compared to melting. The phase transition provides a cost-effective and energy-efficient pathway to forming complex geometries without requiring full melting of the glass.

The patent applies segmentation by forming multiple separate glass members with distinct three-dimensional shapes on a single glass substrate simultaneously. Each glass member is defined by its own mold cavity, allowing parallel manufacturing of multiple components. The segmentation is maintained through carefully designed mold cavities that prevent merging of adjacent members, enabling efficient production while maintaining ease of separation through defined geometric boundaries.

The patent uses another dimension by creating depth and three-dimensionality in the glass members through the mold cavities. The protruding portions and corresponding recesses create vertical separation and geometric differentiation between adjacent members. This dimensional approach allows multiple glass members to be manufactured simultaneously with clear separation planes, improving productivity while maintaining ease of separation through the three-dimensional geometry established during molding.