Plano Concave Lenses

Plano Concave Lens Specification

Material

The material substrate determines such features as hardness, scratch resistance, and transmission range. We offer plano concave lenses in Schott, Ohara, and CDGM optical glass as well as Corning 7980 fused silica, UV fused silica, infrared fused silica, calcium fluoride (CaF2), Barium fluoride (BaF2), Germanium, Zinc Selenide, and Zinc Sulfide.

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Diameter Tolerance

The diameter tolerance of a plano concave lens describes the acceptable value of ranges for the diameter. It has no effect on the performance of the lens, but relates to how the lens is fitted into its mount or holder. Our factor standard is a diameter tolerance of +/-0.05mm, and our manufacturing limit is +/-0.01mm.

Thickness Tolerance

The center thickness of a lens describes the allowable variation in the material thickness. It is measured at the exact mechanical axis of a lens, directly between its outer edges. This specification does affect optimal performance because it is the lens thickness which helps to determine the optical path taken by light passing through the lens. Our factor standard for center thickness is +/-0.05mm, and our manufacturing limit is again +/-0.01mm.

Clear Aperture

The clear aperture is the diameter of the part of the lens which meets specifications. Manufacturing constraints mean that the outer rim of a lens can never be as clear as the crucial inner aperture, but our factory standard for clear aperture is greater than 95 percent of the central dimension.

Centration

The amount of decenter in a lens is defined as the physical displacement of the lenses mechanical axis (i.e., geometric axis) from its optical axis. The line that connects the centers of curvature for the surfaces is the optical axis.  Our factory standard for centration is less than 3 arc minutes, and our manufacturing limit is 1 arc minute.

Surface Quality

Surface quality refers to the absence or presence of scratches, pits, and digs. In most applications these are only cosmetic defects, but for high powered laser applications high surface quality is important because they can increase energy absorption to a level that damages the optic.  The surface quality is specified by a two part scratch dig number, and the lower the quality, the higher the number.  80-50 is generally considered standard quality, but our factory standard is 40-20 (after coating). We are also able to provide extremely high quality 10-5 plano concave lenses at a cost premium.

Surface Irregularity

Surface irregularity refers to how the shape of the surface deviates from that of the reference surface. Our factory standard for irregularity is for less than ¼ lambda deviation, and our manufacturing limit is for less than 1/10 lambda.

In the vast world of optics, lenses play a fundamental role in shaping and manipulating light. Among the various lens types, the plano concave lens stands as a unique optical component with distinctive properties and applications. In this comprehensive blog post, we will delve into the fascinating realm of plano concave lenses, exploring their construction, working principles, and, most importantly, the diverse range of applications they serve. From scientific research to industrial processes, these lenses prove indispensable in numerous fields. So, let’s unravel the secrets of the plano concave lens and discover its wide-ranging uses in the world of optics.

Understanding the Plano Concave Lens

A plano concave lens, as the name suggests, has one flat (plano) surface and one concave (curved inward) surface. The concave curvature causes the lens to diverge light, making it a diverging lens. Unlike its convex counterpart, the plano concave lens disperses light rays away from its principal axis.

Construction and Optical Properties

Plano concave lenses are primarily made from high-quality optical materials such as glass or optical-grade plastic. The manufacturing process involves precision grinding and polishing to achieve the desired shape and optical properties. These lenses are carefully designed with specific curvature and thickness to obtain the desired focal length and aberration correction.

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The diverging effect of the plano concave lens occurs due to the difference in the refractive index between the lens material and the surrounding medium. This change in refractive index causes light rays passing through the lens to bend away from the lens axis, resulting in the characteristic diverging behavior.

Applications of Plano Concave Lenses

1. Optical Beam Expanding: Plano concave lenses are widely used in laser systems to expand laser beams. They diverge the laser light, increasing the beam size and reducing its intensity, which is crucial in applications like laser cutting, welding, and medical treatments.
   
   
2. Correcting Optical Aberrations: These lenses play a significant role in optical systems as they help correct spherical aberrations and coma when used in conjunction with other lenses.
   
   
3. Microscopy: Plano concave lenses are commonly found in microscopy applications. They aid in beam manipulation and controlling the focus of light, ensuring clear and precise imaging.
   
   
4. Telescopes and Astronomical Observations: Plano concave lenses are utilized in astronomical telescopes to increase the field of view and to compensate for certain optical aberrations.
   
   
5. Ophthalmic Applications: In the field of ophthalmology, plano concave lenses are used to correct nearsightedness (myopia) by diverging light before it reaches the eye’s lens.
   
   
6. Collimation of Light: Plano concave lenses are employed in collimating light sources, ensuring parallel beam propagation.
   
   
7. Optical Instruments: From spectrometers to interferometers, plano concave lenses are crucial components in a wide range of optical instruments.
   
   
8. Fiber Optics: Plano concave lenses aid in coupling light into optical fibers, enabling efficient signal transmission in fiber optic communication systems.
   
   
9. Image Projection: They are used in various image projection systems to manipulate light paths and achieve the desired image size and focus.
   
   
10. Analytical Chemistry:

    In spectroscopy and analytical chemistry applications, plano concave lenses help disperse light and focus specific wavelengths for accurate measurements.

Conclusion

The plano concave lens, with its unique diverging properties, finds extensive use across a plethora of optical applications. From laser systems and microscopy to ophthalmology and astronomy, these lenses play a crucial role in shaping and controlling light for diverse purposes. Their ability to correct aberrations and precisely manipulate light beams makes them indispensable components in many scientific and industrial fields. As optical technology continues to evolve, the versatility and importance of the plano concave lens in the world of optics are bound to endure.

In summary, the plano concave lens serves as an illuminating example of how the careful design and engineering of optical components can revolutionize our ability to explore and harness the power of light.

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FAQs – Plano Concave Lens Use

1. What is a Plano-Concave Lens?
A Plano-Concave lens is a type of optical lens with one flat (plano) side and one curved inward (concave) side. It’s thinner at the center and thicker at the edges.

2. What’s the purpose of a Plano-Concave Lens?
It’s used to diverge light rays, causing them to spread out. This lens is used for specific optical applications where the goal is to create virtual images, reduce image size, or correct aberrations.

3. How does it differ from other lenses?
Unlike a Plano-Convex lens which converges light, the Plano-Concave lens diverges light. Its curved-in side causes parallel light rays to spread apart.

4. Where is it commonly used?
Plano-Concave lenses are found in various optical systems. They’re used in projectors, beam expanders, telescopes, and other setups requiring light divergence or correction of optical aberrations.

5. What’s an example of its use?
In a Galilean telescope, the Plano-Concave lens serves as the eyepiece, allowing the viewer to see a magnified and erect virtual image of distant objects.

6. How does it affect light rays?
When light passes through a Plano-Concave lens, the curved side causes the light rays to spread out, creating a virtual focus point on the same side as the incoming light.

7. Does it have any drawbacks?
One drawback is that it induces spherical aberration, causing different wavelengths of light to focus at slightly different points, potentially leading to image blurring.

8. Can it be used alone?
Yes, Plano-Concave lenses can be used alone to achieve specific optical effects. However, they are often used in combination with other lenses to correct for aberrations or achieve desired optical outcomes.

9. Can it flip an image orientation?
Yes, when used on its own, a Plano-Concave lens can flip the orientation of an image. However, in many applications, additional lenses are used to correct this inversion.

10. Is its usage limited to specific industries?
No, Plano-Concave lenses find applications in various fields including astronomy, microscopy, photography, and laser systems, where light manipulation or aberration correction is essential.

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