Convex-Convex Cylindrical Lenses
Last Updated: April 1, 2025
Description
Convex-convex cylindrical lenses are optical components designed to focus or expand light in one dimension. These lenses have two outwardly curved surfaces, allowing them to manipulate light effectively along a single axis. They are typically used to transform a point of light into a line or to adjust the aspect ratio of an image.
Working Principle
Convex-convex cylindrical lenses work by bending and focusing light along one axis while leaving the other axis unaffected. As light passes through the lens, it is refracted due to the curved surfaces, causing the light to converge or diverge into a line. This ability to focus light in one dimension makes these lenses particularly useful for applications requiring precise control over light distribution.
Applications
Convex-convex cylindrical lenses are used in various applications where line focusing is essential. Specific examples include laser scanning systems, where they help in creating linear light patterns, and in optical metrology, where they are used to measure surface profiles. They are also employed in laser diode beam shaping to correct beam ellipticity and improve the quality of the laser output.
Advantages over other Cylindrical Lenses
One of the primary advantages of convex-convex cylindrical lenses over other types, such as plano-convex or plano-concave lenses, is their ability to focus light more effectively in applications requiring high precision. Their dual convex surfaces allow for better control over light convergence, making them ideal for tasks that demand high accuracy in light manipulation.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, convex-convex cylindrical lenses have limitations. They can introduce spherical aberrations if not properly aligned, which can affect the quality of the focused line. Additionally, these lenses may not be suitable for applications requiring light manipulation in two dimensions, as they are specifically designed for one-dimensional focusing.
Considerations
When selecting convex-convex cylindrical lenses, several factors should be considered. Initial costs can vary depending on the material and quality of the lens. Operating expenses are generally low, but maintenance costs can arise if the lenses are used in environments that cause wear or damage. Durability is typically high, but accuracy can be affected by environmental factors such as temperature changes. Replacement and maintenance costs should be factored into the overall budget, especially in high-precision applications where lens performance is critical.
from CRYSTECH, Inc.
CRYSTECH is dedicated to manufacturing high precision spherical lens for solid-state leaser systems. We have over 20 years of experience in lens manufacturing, design, and coating. We provide these lenses with the material of BK7, fused silica, sapphire, CaF2, ZnSe(ZnS) and other glass raw material. [See More]
- Lens Form: Plano-Convex; Plano-Concave; Convex-Convex; Concave-Concave
- Materials: BK7 Glass; Calcium Fluoride; Sapphire; Zinc Selenide; Ultra-violet grade Fused Silica
- Lens Application: Infrared; Visible
- Surface Flatness: λ/2 (optional feature); λ/4
from EKSMA OPTICS
Biconvex lenses are all symmetrical, having equal radii on both sides. They are recommended for virtual imaging of real objects, and for positive conjugate ratios from 0.2 up to 5. Outside of this ratios range plano-convex lenses are usually more suitable. Biconvex lenses are used as magnifiers,... [See More]
- Lens Form: Convex-Convex
- Center Thickness: 2 to 15
- Focal Length: 12.7 to 1200
- Length: 12.7 to 50.8
from Intrinsic Crystal Technology Co., Ltd. (ICC)
A cylindrical lens is typically used to focus, condense or expand incoming light. A cylindrical lens has one cylindrical surface, causing light to be focused in a single dimension or axis. It can also be used to expand the output of a laser diode into a symmetrical beam. ICC supply various kinds... [See More]
- Lens Form: Plano-Convex; Plano-Concave; Convex-Convex; Concave-Concave
- Length: 1.2 to 350
- Lens Application: Infrared; Visible; Ultraviolet
- Materials: BK7 Glass; Calcium Fluoride; Ultra-violet grade Fused Silica; Silicon, Other
from Knight Optical (UK) Ltd
Calcium Fluoride (CaF ₂) is commonly used for optics looking at the IR and UV spectrums and has a very low change in refractive index with wavelength. It shares similar optical properties with Barium Fluoride although it has a transmission that is 2.5 µm less into the infra-red. Calcium... [See More]
- Lens Form: Convex-Convex
- Center Thickness: 0.2000
- Focal Length: 28.9
- Edge Thickness: 0.3000
from Rocky Mountain Instrument/RMI Laser
Cylindrical Lenses focus incoming light in one dimension only, such as in transforming a point image into a line image or changing the height of an image without changing its width or vice versa. RMI Cylindrical Lenses are designed per customer wavelength. Both sides can be coated with an RMI high... [See More]
- Lens Form: Plano-Convex; Plano-Concave; Convex-Convex; Concave-Concave
- Surface Quality: 10-5 Scratch / Dig; 20-10 Scratch / Dig; 40-20 Scratch / Dig
- Materials: BK7 Glass; Calcium Fluoride; Germanium; Sapphire; Zinc Selenide; Ultra-violet grade Fused Silica; Fused Silica, Cleartran, Barium fluoride, Magnesium Flouride, Silicon
- Surface Flatness: λ/4