A simple lens having a flat surface and a convex surface known as a planoconvex lense is used to focus, gather, and collimate light beams. The round surface of the lens is convex, which results in a positive focal length. Close to the axis, planoconvex lenses produce an image of average quality. They are frequently utilized as parts in more intricate lens systems or optical devices.
Planoconvex lenses from Alfa Chemistry can provide a wide range of customization options with plano-convex lenses made specifically for each customer and their needs. If necessary, we can also offer coating services. In our cutting-edge metrology lab, our highly qualified personnel test each product to make sure it complies with requirements. Please get in touch with our technical sales team if you need additional details on your custom planoconvex lense requirements.
Our Capabilities
We offer custom planoconvex lenses for both general-purpose and precise applications to satisfy a variety of customer needs. These planoconvex lenses are excellent for use in development and research. Custom planoconvex lenses are available in a variety of sizes and substrates with suitable coatings. Planoconvex lenses made to order are offered in a range of diameters and substrates with the appropriate coatings. Whether uncoated or AR coated, we can customize planoconvex lenses for UV, visible and NIR telecommunication wavelengths. The usual criteria we provide to our clients are listed below. In addition, Alfa Chemistry can provide other planoconvex lenses that meet the requirements.
| Diameter | 3 mm·~ 200 mm+ |
| Focal Length | 3 mm·~ 1000 mm+ |
| Focal Length Tolerance | ±1% |
| Dimension Tolerance | +0/-0.1 mm |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Centration | < 3 arcseconds |
| Flatness | λ/4@632.8 nm |
| Surface Figure | < 0.1 fringes |
| Scratch/Dig | < 10/5 |
| Clear Aperture | >90% |
| Material Options | BK7 or B270; SF11; Fused Silica |
| Coating Options | AR Coated for UV/VIS/NIR |
We typically use medium refractive index crown glass for planoconvex lenses, such as BK7 or B270; However, for lenses with reduced spherical aberrations, we typically use high refractive index glass, such as SF11 or an equivalent. To suit specific wavelength needs, we also provide a variety of infrared materials, ranging from germanium to calcium fluoride. Short lead times are available for our customers with our line of custom planoconvex lenses.
Applications:
These custom products are often used as components in imaging systems, more complex lens systems in lasers and detectors, or in optical instruments.
Fig 1. A plano-convex lens brings a collimated beam to perfect focus on an axial point. The lens is designed for λ = 633 nm. It has a 4-mm diameter clear aperture, a focal length of 1.1133 mm, and an NA of 0.75. (Mansuripur M, et al. 1998)
Quality Assurance
Each custom planoconvex lense is carefully tested to all applicable standards using state-of-the-art metering equipment. We inspect and scrutinize every product before it's shipped to customers, so customers can have complete confidence that the optics they order will be the best fit for their application.
Alfa Chemistry is always looking to expand and work with customers to achieve their specifications, so please feel free to contact our technical sales team for more information and guidance on your enquiry.
Reference
- Mansuripur M, et al. (1998). "Abbe's Sine Condition." Optics and Photonics News. 9(2): 56-60.