Cylindrical lenses are specialized optical components that possess a distinctive shape, characterized by one flat surface and one curved surface forming a cylindrical curvature. These lenses are designed to manipulate light in a particular direction along one axis, while maintaining the light’s original properties along the perpendicular axis.
The curved surface of a cylindrical lens has a constant radius of curvature, resulting in a cylindrical shape that differs from traditional spherical lenses. This geometry allows cylindrical lenses to focus, collimate, or diverge light along a single axis, while leaving the light unchanged along the orthogonal axis. Consequently, these lenses are often used to correct astigmatism, reshape laser beams, or create line-shaped illumination.
Cylindrical lenses find application in various fields such as laser technology, imaging systems, and optical instrumentation. They play a crucial role in shaping and directing laser beams, particularly diode laser beams, by transforming them from elliptical to round profiles. By controlling the beam’s shape and direction, cylindrical lenses enable precise beam manipulation and enhance optical performance.
Regardless of the specific task at hand, it is worth noting that incorporating Anti-Reflective (AR) coatings can significantly enhance the performance of cylindrical lenses. By minimizing undesirable reflections and maximizing light transmission, AR coatings contribute to improved optical efficiency.
• Material : UVFS, BK7
• Dimensions tolerance : +/- 0.2 mm
• ROC tolerance : +/- 0.5 %
• Surface quality : 40-20 S-D
• Centration : < 3 arcmin
• AR/AR coatings : R < 0.2 %
*standard specifications