Disclosed are a microlens array, and a method of positioning and aligning
the microlens array on another device. Generally, the microlens array
comprises an array of injection molded microlens elements, and a
supporting flange. Each of the microlens elements has a generally
spheroid or spherical shape, and the supporting flange connects together
the array of microlens elements to facilitate positioning that array of
lenses on a printed circuit board, semiconductor package or wafer. This
array is well suited for use with vertical cavity surface emitting lasers
(VCSELs); and, in particular, the preferred embodiment of the invention
addresses the problem of VCSEL laser array alignment by using arrays of
microlenses elements fabricated by injection molding.