When to Use double convex cylindrical lenses？

Biconvex / Double Convex Lenses

Biconvex lenses, commonly referred to as double convex lenses, are fundamental optical components featuring two outward-curving spherical surfaces. These surfaces project outward from the center, and due to their equal radii of curvature, they are effective in converging parallel rays of light to a single focal point located beyond the lens. Double convex lenses are integral to numerous imaging technologies including microscopes, cameras, telescopes, and image relay systems. They serve essential roles in laser beam manipulation and in telecommunications infrared applications. At Shanghai Optics, we pride ourselves on producing premium quality biconvex lenses, both coated and uncoated, designed for a variety of beam-focusing needs.

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The figure above illustrates a point light source positioned at the focal point of a biconvex lens for generating a collimated beam.

Applications of Biconvex Lenses

Despite being simple lenses, biconvex or double convex lenses are frequently employed in complex multi-lens architectures. These lenses are most applicable in situations where the object and virtual images occur on opposite sides of the lens. Ideally, a conjugate ratio ranging between 0.2 and 5 is preferred, with distortion, chromatic aberration, and spherical aberration minimized when both the image and object are equidistant from the lens (a 1:1 conjugate ratio). For capturing images of more distant objects, plano convex lenses might be more applicable.

Biconvex Lens Specifications

Certain specifications are essential when considering biconvex lenses, including the substrate or optical material, focal length, diameter, and radius of curvature. The chosen optical material affects both the lens's durability and its optical characteristics such as refractive index.

The focal length refers to the distance from the lens to its focal point along the focal axis. This measurement is dependent on both the optical material used and the radius of curvature of the lens.

The radius of curvature itself is defined as the distance from the vertex of the lens surface to its center of curvature along the optical axis. In a biconvex lens, the two convex surfaces will have equal radius values, albeit with opposite signs.

Biconvex Lenses at Shanghai Optics

At Shanghai Optics, we manufacture biconvex or double convex lenses utilizing a variety of substrates, including K9 borosilicate crown glass, BK7 Schott glass, quartz, sapphire, fused silica, CaF2, ZnSe, and germanium. Our lenses undergo rigorous polishing to ensure optimal surface quality, with finely ground and beveled edges. We have biconvex lenses available for UV, visible, and NIR wavelength ranges; our factory standards include a diameter tolerance of ±0.01mm and flatness of λ/10.

Each lens produced at Shanghai Optics is thoroughly tested to meet all relevant standards, utilizing advanced metrology equipment. We conduct meticulous inspections prior to shipping, ensuring that our customers receive lenses that are perfectly tailored for their applications.
 

Biconvex Lenses Specifications

• Focal Length Tolerance: +/-3%
• Diameter Tolerance: +/-0.05mm
• Thickness Tolerance: +/-0.03mm
• Design Wavelength: 546mm
• Centration: <1'
• Surface Quality: 40-20 scratch-dig
• Edges: Fine ground and beveled

In addition to our expansive range of in-stock products, we also offer the capability to produce custom lenses upon request. Please reach out to us to discuss manufacturing capabilities and tailored options, or to obtain an up-to-date catalogue of available products.

Contact us today for assistance with your custom biconvex lens requirements.

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Usage of Cylindrical Lenses

Correcting Astigmatism

Cylindrical lenses are widely utilized in ophthalmology for the correction of astigmatism. This visual impairment usually arises from an irregularly shaped cornea. In cases of astigmatism, focal points can diverge along the three main axes. A cylindrical optical lens can be employed to realign the focal point of one axis to coincide with the others.

Laser Scanning Microscopy

These lenses are often paired with acoustic-optic deflectors, enabling the focal point of a variable lens to move in a lateral manner without the need for mechanical parts. Within the realm of laser scanning microscopy, spherical lenses play a critical role in adjusting images and honing the light focus on the designated plane.

Entertainment

Digital cinema cameras utilize a cylindrical optical assembly to compress widescreen images onto traditional 35mm film. Similarly, digital and laser projectors adopt this technology to properly expand the footage for correct portrayal on widescreen displays.

Laser Line Scanning

This technique translates the physical attributes of a three-dimensional object into a digital format. It proves especially beneficial in areas such as prototyping, gardening, and construction. This scanning method assesses how much distortion affects a straight line when interacting with a non-flat surface, employing a cylindrical lens to gauge the changes in laser line shape through triangulation.

Optical Spectroscopy

Cylindrical lenses are key components in constructing optical spectrometers. When situated before a diffractive grating element, they concentrate light into a singular line towards a linear photodetector.

Laser Beam Shape Correction

While a laser beam should ideally maintain a circular form, semiconductor lasers often produce elliptical profiles. To rectify this issue, a cylindrical lens can be strategically placed in front of the laser beam, positioned such that its central axis is perpendicular to the fast axis, thus creating a collimated beam appropriate for optical fibers.

Our company is recognized as the leading global supplier of double convex cylindrical lenses. We serve as your comprehensive resource for all optical needs, backed by a team of specialists ready to assist you in selecting the right product for your requirements.