SF11 Glass Spherical Lenses
Description
SF11 Glass Spherical Lenses are optical components designed to focus or diverge light. These lenses are crafted from SF11 glass, a type of optical glass known for its specific refractive index properties. The primary function of these lenses is to manipulate light paths, either converging or diverging beams of light, depending on the lens shape.
Working Principle
SF11 Glass Spherical Lenses operate based on the principles of refraction. When light passes through the lens, it bends due to the change in speed as it moves from air into the denser glass medium. The curvature of the lens surfaces determines how the light is focused. Spherical lenses can be either convex or concave, with convex lenses converging light to a focal point and concave lenses diverging light. These lenses are useful because they can precisely control light paths, which is essential in various optical systems.
Applications
SF11 Glass Spherical Lenses are used in a variety of optical applications. They are commonly found in imaging systems, such as cameras and microscopes, where they help focus light to create clear images. They are also used in laser systems for beam focusing and collimation. In telecommunications, these lenses are integral in fiber optic systems for coupling light into and out of fibers.
Advantages over other Spherical Lenses
One advantage of SF11 Glass Spherical Lenses is their specific refractive index, which can offer better performance in certain optical systems compared to lenses made from other types of glass. This can result in improved image quality or more efficient light transmission in specific applications.
Limitations
A limitation of SF11 Glass Spherical Lenses is that they can suffer from spherical aberrations, where light rays passing through the edges of the lens focus at different points than those passing through the center. This can lead to image blurring. Additionally, these lenses may not be suitable for applications requiring high precision or minimal distortion, where aspheric lenses might be preferred.
Considerations
When considering SF11 Glass Spherical Lenses, it's important to evaluate the initial costs, which can vary based on the size and quality of the lens. Operating expenses are generally low, but durability can be a concern if the lenses are exposed to harsh environments. Accuracy in focusing is dependent on the lens design and quality. Replacement and maintenance costs are typically low, but regular cleaning and handling care are necessary to maintain optical performance.
from Zygo Corporation
ZYGO manufactures the world ’s most accurate aspherical, spherical and freeform optics. These can be manufactured in sizes up to 600 mm, with surface figure tolerances better than 100 picometers. To put this into perspective, imagine an optic the size of the Unites States with a surface... [See More]
- Materials: BK7 Glass; SF11 Glass; Zerodur, Clearceram, ULE, silicon carbide (SiC), Alon, Spinel, calcium fluoride, magnesium fluoride, germanium, silicon, aluminum, nickel
- Diameter: 600
from Shanghai Optics
These lenses are manufactured from SF11 for VIS and NIR applications and are supplied coated or uncoated. SF11 is generally used instead of BK7 to minimize aberrations from short focal length lenses. The higher refractive index provides for a less-steeply angled surface and a better transmitted... [See More]
- Materials: SF11 Glass
from Rainbow Research Optics, Inc.
Your One-Stop Source for Spherical Lenses. From prototype to production, Rainbow Research Optics, Inc (RROI) designs, manufactures and coats spherical lenses. Spherical lenses are one of the most basic optical components to produce. With complete in-house capabilities, RROI is able to offer... [See More]
- Materials: BK7 Glass; SF11 Glass; Calcium Fluoride; Ultra-violet grade Fused Silica; VUV grade MgF2; IR grade CaF2; VUV grade CaF2
- Lens Application: Infrared; Visible; Ultraviolet
- Lens Form: Convex-Convex (optional feature); Concave-Concave (optional feature)
- Diameter: 3 to 406
from Thorlabs, Inc.
At Thorlabs, we constantly reinforce our desire to serve at the pleasure of our customers. From this comes our desire to be connected to our industry in a way that far exceeds what would typically be expected of a vendor. Thorlabs lives this core principle by seeking to enhance, at every turn, the... [See More]
- Materials: BK7 Glass; SF11 Glass; Calcium Fluoride; Zinc Selenide; Ultra-violet grade Fused Silica; Silicone
- Lens Application: Infrared; Visible; Ultraviolet
- Lens Form: Plano-Convex; Plano-Concave; Convex-Convex; Concave-Concave
- Focal Length: -1000 to 750
from Edmund Optics Inc.
AR Coated to Provide <0.4% Reflectance per Surface for 425 - 675nm. Designed for 0 ° Angle of Incidence. Double-Convex (DCX) Lenses have two outward curved surfaces, a positive focal length and are useful for 1:1 imaging and in multi-element systems.These lenses are available uncoated or... [See More]
- Materials: SF11 Glass
- Lens Application: Visible
- Lens Form: Convex-Convex
- Focal Length: 20