Mid-infrared micro-optics elements based on a flexible chalcogenide polymer

Chalcogenide polymeric materials have emerged as promising, cost-effective alternatives to conventional infrared materials. In this Letter, we demonstrate the fabrication of micro-optics elements using a flexible chalcogenide polymer with an extended transparency window into the long-wave infrared region. Employing this thermoset S-DADS polymer, broadband infrared micro-optical components were fabricated via casting processes. Experimental results validate their functionality in IR imaging, wavefront sensing, and mechanically tunable beam shaping, which shows their potential for diverse infrared applications.