Abstract

Plastic optics can provide a high-quality, relatively low-cost alternative to conventional glass and metal optics. Previously relegated to lower-end products such as toys, magnifiers, and eyeglasses, they are currently being selected for more demanding applications. Their increased use is the result of improvements in materials, machining, and manufacturing technologies over the past few decades. This chapter discusses plastic optical materials, the various methods of manufacturing plastic optics, design guidelines, and typical analyses associated with their use.