Method for molding optical elements

An optical-element molding method for forming an optical element in which a glass material and a resin material are integrated, said molding method including the steps of supplying the resin material, which is a type cured by an activating energy beam, to a molding member having a molding surface, which functions to transfer an optical surface onto a surface of the resin material, and forming a resin layer made of the resin material on the surface of the glass member, said step of forming a resin layer comprising:

• a first step of moving a discharge port of a container containing said resin material toward the molding surface and gradually moving the discharge port away from the molding surface while the resin material is being discharged;
• a second step for mounting the glass member onto supporting means for supporting the glass member in a state in which the lower surface of the glass member is spaced away from the molding surface;
• a third step for curing the resin material to a predetermined degree of polymerization by irradiating the resin material with the activating energy beam;
• a fourth step for releasing the support of the glass member by said supporting means, after the resin material has been cured to the predetermined degree of polymerization, in such a manner that the glass member is supported on the resin layer independently;
• and
• a fifth step for further curing the resin material and completing a production of the optical element in which a glass material and resin material are integrated.