oSIST prEN ISO 14880-1:2026

Optics and photonics - Microlens arrays - Part 1: Vocabulary (ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026)

This document defines terms for microlens arrays. It applies to arrays of very small lenses formed inside or on one or more surfaces of a common substrate. This document also applies to systems of microlens arrays.

Optik und Photonik - Mikrolinsenarrays - Teil 1: Begriffe (ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026)

Optique et photonique - Réseaux de microlentilles - Partie 1: Vocabulaire (ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026)

Le présent document définit les termes relatifs aux réseaux de microlentilles. Il s'applique aux réseaux de très petites lentilles formées à l'intérieur ou sur une ou plusieurs surfaces d'un substrat commun. Le présent document s'applique également aux systèmes de réseaux de microlentilles.

Optika in fotonska tehnologija - Vrste mikroleč - 1. del: Slovar (ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026)

Ta dokument opredeljuje izraze za mikrolečne matrike. Uporablja se za matrike zelo majhnih leč, oblikovanih znotraj ali na eni ali več površinah skupnega substrata. Ta dokument se uporablja tudi za sisteme mikrolečnih matrik.

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 30-Jul-2026
• ICS: 01.040.31 - Electronics (Vocabularies)
• ICS: 31.260 - Optoelectronics. Laser equipment
• Technical Committee: VAZ - Healthcare
• Current Stage: 4020 - Public enquire (PE) (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 28-May-2026
• Due Date: 15-Oct-2026
• Ref Project: prEN ISO 14880-1 - Optics and photonics - Microlens arrays - Part 1: Vocabulary (ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026)

Relations

• Revises: SIST EN ISO 14880-1:2019 - Optics and photonics - Microlens arrays - Part 1: Vocabulary (ISO 14880-1:2019)
• Effective Date: 25-Sep-2024

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2026
Optika in fotonska tehnologija - Vrste mikroleč - 1. del: Slovar (ISO/DIS 14880-
1:2026)
Optics and photonics - Microlens arrays - Part 1: Vocabulary (ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026)
Optik und Photonik - Mikrolinsenarrays - Teil 1: Begriffe (ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026)
Optique et photonique - Réseaux de microlentilles - Partie 1: Vocabulaire (ISO/DIS
14880-1:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 14880-1
ICS:
01.040.31 Elektronika (Slovarji) Electronics (Vocabularies)
31.260 Optoelektronika, laserska Optoelectronics. Laser
oprema equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 14880-1
ISO/TC 172/SC 9
Optics and photonics — Microlens
Secretariat: DIN
arrays —
Voting begins on:
Part 1: 2026-05-21
Vocabulary
Voting terminates on:
2026-08-13
Optique et photonique — Réseaux de microlentilles —
Partie 1: Vocabulaire
ICS: 31.260; 01.040.31
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 14880-1
ISO/TC 172/SC 9
Optics and photonics — Microlens
Secretariat: DIN
arrays —
Voting begins on:
Part 1:
Vocabulary
Voting terminates on:
Optique et photonique — Réseaux de microlentilles —
Partie 1: Vocabulaire
ICS: 31.260; 01.040.31
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document is circulated as received from the committee secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2026
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
ii
ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
3.1 Symbols and units of measure . .2
3.2 Basic definitions of microlens and microlens array .3
3.3 General terms and definitions .3
3.4 Terms relating to properties of the microlens array .6
3.4.1 Geometrical properties .6
3.4.2 Optical properties .8
4 Coordinate system . 8
5 Properties of individual lenses . 9
Annex A (informative) Microlens array applications (1) — Telecommunications .11
Annex B (informative) Microlens array applications (2) — Image sensor arrays .12
Annex C (informative) Microlens array applications (3) — LCD projection panels .13
Annex D (informative) Microlens array applications (4) — Wavefront sensors . 14
Annex E (informative) Microlens array applications (5) — Stereo displays . 17
Annex F (informative) Microlens array applications (6) — 3D imaging and light-field cameras .18
Bibliography .20

iii
ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO [had/had not] received notice of
(a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 172, Optics and Photonics, Subcommittee SC 9,
Laser and electro-optical systems.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 14880-1:2019), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— Table 1 modified
— Figures 1 and 3 modified
— Labelling and symbols clarified
— Notes to some entries modified
A list of all parts in the ISO 14880 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
Introduction
The expanded market in microlens arrays has generated a need to agree on basic terms and definitions for
microlens arrays and systems and this document aims to satisfy that need.
This document aims to improve the compatibility and interchangeability of lens arrays from different
suppliers and to enhance the development of technology using microlens arrays.
[1]
Microoptics and microlens arrays are found in many optical devices. They are used as coupling optics for
detector arrays, the digital camera being an example of a mass market application. They are used to enhance
the optical performance of liquid crystal displays, to couple arrays of light sources and to direct illumination
for example in 2D and 3D television, mobile phone and portable computer displays. Microlens arrays are
used in wavefront sensors for optical metrology, for example in ophthalmic and industrial applications, and
astronomy. They are used in light-field sensors for three–dimensional photography and microscopy and in
optical parallel processor elements.
Microlenses and microlens arrays are used in laser-diode beam correcting and/or beam shaping applications,
often using aspherical or anamorphic optical components. Multiple arrays of microlenses can be assembled to
form optical systems such as optical condensers, controlled diffusers, beam homogenisers and superlenses.
[2][3] [4][5]
Furthermore, arrays of microoptical elements such as micro-prisms and micro-mirrors are used.
Examples of some of these applications are described in Annexes A to F.

v
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
Optics and photonics — Microlens arrays —
Part 1:
Vocabulary
1 Scope
This document defines terms for microlens arrays. It applies to arrays of very small lenses formed inside or
on one or more surfaces of a common substrate. This document also applies to systems of microlens arrays.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
Key
1 substrate
2 microlenses
3 light paths
Figure 1 — Microlens array with Cartesian coordinate system
NOTE 1 The coordinate system used for the description of the microlenses can be found in Figure 1. The description
of the coordinate system and its application can be found in Clause 4.
NOTE 2 Five common types of microlenses are illustrated in Figure 5, and described in Clause 5.

ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
NOTE 3 For common microlens array applications, see Annexes A to F.
NOTE 4 The term “light” was defined as “visible radiation” and applied to any optical radiation capable of causing a
visual sensation directly on a human being and nominally covering the wavelength in vacuum range of 380 nm to 800
nm. See IEC Elecropedia 731-01-04.
NOTE 5 In the laser and optical communication fields, custom and practice in the English language have extended
usage of the term “light” to include the much broader portion of the electromagnetic spectrum than can be handled by
the basic optical techniques used for the visible spectrum. See IEC Elecropedia 731-01-04.
3.1 Symbols and units of measure
Table 1 lists symbols and units which are used in this document.
Table 1 — Symbols and units of measure
Symbol Unit Term
2 2
A mm or µm diffraction-limited optical aperture
d
2 2
A mm or µm geometric aperture
g
a , a mm or µm lens radius
1 2
2a , 2a mm or µm lens width
1 2
-2
D mm lens density
n
h mm or µm surface modulation depth (sag)
L , L mm edge lengths of substrate
1 2
NA none numerical aperture
NA none diffraction-limited numerical aperture
d
NA none geometric numerical aperture
g
n(x, y, z) none refractive index
n none refractive index at the centre of the lens
P , P mm or µm pitch
x y
f mm or µm effective back focal length
E,b
f mm or µm effective front focal length
E,f
R mm or µm radius of curvature
c
S , S , S mm coordinates of focal spot position
x y z
ΔS , ΔS , ΔS mm or µm focal spot position shift
x y z
T mm thickness of substrate
S
T mm physical thickness
c
w , w µm focal spot size
x y
x, y, z mm coordinates of lens aperture centre position
Θ degree (°) acceptance angle
parts of
Φ wavefront aberration
wavelength or nm
parts of
Φ root mean square value of wavefront aberration
rms
wavelength or nm
λ nm wavelength
v none effective Abbe-number
eff
2 2
NOTE 1 The terms “diffraction-limited optical aperture" and “geometric aperture” can use the units mm or µm
where convenient.
NOTE 2 The term “surface modulation depth (sag)” can use the term “sag” in the industrial area. See 3.4.1.8 Note 1.

ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
NOTE 3 The wavefront aberration, peak-to-valley values of wavefront aberration and root-mean-square values
of wavefront aberration are often expressed in units of “λ” based on the results of interferometer measurements.
Wavefront aberration is expressed in multiples of “λ” (wavelength (nm)) of the laser light source used in the
interferometer.
3.2 Basic definitions of microlens and microlens array
3.2.1
microlens
lens in an array or single lens with an aperture of less than a few millimetres including lenses which work by
refraction at the surface, refraction in the bulk of the substrate, diffraction or a combination of these
Note 1 to entry: The microlens can have a variety of aperture shapes: circular, hexagonal or rectangular for example.
The surface of the lens can be flat, convex or concave.
3.2.2
microlens array
regular arrangement of microlenses on/in a single substrate
Note 1 to entry: Irregular or structured arrays are sometimes used, for example, in beam shaping, diffusion, and
homogenization.
3.3 General terms and definitions
3.3.1
effective front focal length
f
E,f
distance from the vertex of the microlens to the position of the focus given by finding the maximum of the
power density distribution when collimated radiation is incident from the back of the substrate
Note 1 to entry: The effective front focal length can differ from the paraxial front focal length in the case of aberrated
lenses.
Note 2 to entry: The effective front focal length is different from the classical effective focal length since it is measured
from the lens vertex.
3.3.2
effective back focal length
f
E,b
distance from the back surface of the substrate or the vertex of the microlens to the position of the focal
point, when collimated radiation is incident from the lens side of the substrate
Note 1 to entry: The effective back focal length can differ from the paraxial back focal length in the case of aberrated
lenses.
Note 2 to entry: In case the microlens or microlenses are formed on both sides of the substrate, “effective back focal
length” is defined from the vertex of the microlens to the position of the focal point. See Figure 4.
3.3.3
radius of curvature
R
c
distance from the vertex of the microlens to the centre of curvature of the lens surface
Note 1 to entry: The radius of curvature is expressed in millimetres or micrometres.
3.3.4
wavefront aberration
Φ
rms
root mean square of deviation of the wavefront from an ideal spherical or other wavefront
Note 1 to entry: The wavefront aberration is expressed in parts of the wavelength, λ or nm.

ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
3.3.5.1
chromatic aberration
change of the focal length with wavelength
Note 1 to entry: Chromatic aberration is characterized by the effective Abbe-number, which is given by:
f 

v 
eff

ff
 
where the values of λ , λ and λ are specified in order to correspond to current practice in optical lens design. The
1 2 3
effective Abbe-number is dimensionless.
Note 2 to entry: At optical wavelengths the C line (656,3 nm) as λ , d line (587,56 nm) as λ , F line (486,1 nm) as λ are
3 2 1
generally used. However, other wavelengths such as the infrared spectrum can be used where appropriate, provided
that λ < λ < λ .
1 2 3
3.3.5.2
achromatic microlens array
microlens array designed to limit the effects of chromatic aberration
Note 1 to entry: Achromatic microlens arrays are generally corrected to bring radiation of two wavelengths into focus
in the same plane, for example, red and blue light or infrared wavelengths where appropriate.
3.3.6.1
aperture shape
shape which is specified as square, circular, hexagonal, circular sector or other geometric shape
Note 1 to entry: For non-regular shapes, the vertices of the microlens aperture are to be defined by coordinates, Xa ,
jk
Ya , where j is the microlens number index and k is the vertex number index.
jk
3.3.6.2
geometric aperture
A
g
area in which the optical radiation passing through it is deviated towards the focused image and contributes
to it
Note 1 to entry: For graded index microlenses where no obvious boundary exists, the edge is the locus of points at
which the change of index is 10 % of the maximum value.
Note 2 to entry: The geometric aperture is expressed in square millimetres or square micrometres.
3.3.6.3
lens width
2a , 2a
1 2
width of the microlens on the substrate defined by the geometric aperture of the microlens
Note 1 to entry: The widths are determined by measuring the longest distance (2a ) and the shortest distance (2a )
1 2
between the lens edges as shown in Figure 2. If the lens is circular symmetric, then the term diameter can be used.
Note 2 to entry: Lens widths can be expressed in millimetres or micrometres.
Note 3 to entry: The geometric aperture of the microlens can be given by a variety of shapes such as circular,
rectangular, elliptical and so on.
3.3.6.4
diffraction-limited optical aperture
A
d
area within which the peak-to-valley wavefront aberrations are less than one quarter of the wavelength of
the radiation with which it is tested
Note 1 to entry: The diffraction-limited optical aperture is expressed in square millimetres.

ISO/DIS 14880-1:2026(en)
3.3.6.5
geometrical numerical aperture
NA
g
sine of half the angle subtended by the aperture of the lens at the focal point
3.3.6.6
diffraction-limited numerical aperture
NA
d
sine of half the angle subtended by the diffraction limited optical aperture of the lens at the focal point
3.3.7
focal ratio
ratio of the focal length to the lens width of the geometrical aperture
Note 1 to entry: The focal ratio is equivalent to the practical f-number.
3.3.8
imaging quality
quality of the microlens which is determined by Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) according to ISO 15529
or the Strehl ratio
Note 1 to entry: The imaging quality should be measured at the conjugates in which the microlenses are to be used and
preferably for a range of angles of incidence.
3.3.9
focal spot size
w , w
x y
half width in the x direction and y direction, respectively, at which power density is decreased to the 1/e
irradiance levels at the practical focus point when the microlens is irradiated with a uniform
...