Price, Quality, and Lead Time Comparison What is Custom Optics? Custom optics refer to optical elements that are tailored to meet specific requirements rather than being readily available as standard off-the-shelf components. While custom optical elements can be fabricated from scratch, they are often produced by adding extra processing steps to existing elements. Some typical examples of custom optics include: Custom Coatings: Uncoated lenses may be kept in stock and later equipped with custom coatings to enhance their optical performance for specific applications. Surface Figure Improvement or Modification: Standard spherical lenses can be upgraded for higher precision or turned into aspheric lenses by removing parts of their surfaces, improving their optical characteristics. Modification of Dimensions: Optical elements may undergo alterations, such as removing outer parts, without affecting their optical performance, to fit into predefined mounts or setups. Myths vs. Facts about Custom Optics One common misconception is that custom optics are significantly more expensive than off-the-shelf (OTS) optics, and that only high-volume purchases can lead to lower prices. However, the reality is different, particularly when large production volumes are not guaranteed from the start. Manufacturers may apply special cost models involving non-recurring initial charges to cover substantial expenses, such as: Design Cost: Calculating suitable optical layouts, checking tolerances, and developing required opto-mechanics contribute to the initial cost. Tooling Cost: Special tools may need to be created for the production process, adding to the initial expenses. Refining Specifications: Analyzing the details of the intended application and working on refining specifications can incur additional costs. The cost of custom optics depends on the quantity ordered. Manufacturers often offer competitive prices for small orders, with the potential for even better rates for larger quantities. This approach aims to encourage long-term partnerships. However, if anticipated large orders don’t materialize, it can pose risks for both parties. Custom optics can be cost-competitive, sometimes surpassing off-the-shelf products due to tailored designs and manufacturing efficiencies. The exact cost varies based on specifications and production timeframes. Which Optics is Right for You? Custom Optics Pros: Precise Specifications: Custom optics can be manufactured to exact specifications, meeting specific design requirements. Cost Efficiency: When quantities of 20 or more are needed, custom optics can be designed efficiently and cost less than OTS optics. Performance Optimization: Custom optics are better suited for optimizing optical system performance in demanding applications. Designed tolerance to meet system performance requirements. High-Demand Applications: They are ideal for high-performance applications that require specialized optical elements. Tailored Solutions: Working closely with the optical manufacturer allows customers to take advantage of stock optics design projects and extend these benefits to modified stock optics when OTS components fall short of meeting specific needs.Consistency on components or assemblies supplied Rapid Optical Prototyping: Avantier Inc offers rapid optical prototyping through in-house manufacturing, drastically reducing development time for custom optical products, with a 1-2 week turnaround for diamond turning and CNC machining. The First Article Inspection (FAI) option: Avantier allows customers to test and inspect a sample of bulk-ordered optics before delivering the full order, saving costs and ensuring quality satisfaction.  Custom Optics Cons: Custom optics may involve tooling and non-recurring engineering (NRE) charges, making them more expensive, especially for quantities of less than 20. Longer Lead Time: The initial design and manufacturing process for custom optics may result in longer lead times compared to OTS optics. Off-the-Shelf Optics Pros: Shorter Lead Time: OTS optics are readily available, leading to shorter lead times for projects. Suitable for Specific Applications: OTS optics work well in applications requiring low numerical aperture (NA) and small field angles and sizes. They are also useful for quick prototyping projects to obtain funding. Cost-Effective for Small Quantities: OTS optics are cheaper than custom optics when only a small quantity is needed. Off-the-Shelf Optics Cons: Fixed Specifications: OTS optics come with predefined specifications and cannot be modified to meet specific demands. Limited Customization: While stock optics can satisfy most optical design project requirements, they may not meet highly specific demands. In such cases, working closely with an optical manufacturer can identify when modifying stock optics is possible, avoiding the need for expensive custom optics. Inconsistent tolerances from batch to batch or order to order: Parts fall within specification but they often times come in at high to low sides of tolerances. This can lead to inconsistent system performance with end users.   Custom Optics Off-the-Shelf Optics Pros Precise Specifications Cost Efficiency Performance Optimization High-Demand Applications Tailored Solutions Rapid Optical Prototyping First Article Inspection Shorter Lead Time Suitable for Specific Applications Cost-Effective for Small Quantities Cons Higher Cost Longer Lead Time Fixed Specifications Limited Customization Inconsistent tolerances Here is a case study from a customer in the life science industry: A customer had a choice of ordering optical components. There were two options: customized or off-the-shelf. The customer recognized that the component was a critical element of the company’s equipment and that only a customized part could meet the required specifications. Customized products are manufactured to requirements and offer optimal performance and functionality, but can be time-consuming and costly to produce. Off-the-shelf products, on the other hand, are immediately available and budget-friendly, but may not meet the required specifications. Ultimately, the customer opted for a customized product, prioritizing the improved performance of the component. This choice served to improve the company’s product quality and reliability. Custom optics are optical components designed to meet specific requirements rather than being standard off-the-shelf products. They can involve modifications to existing elements or even fabrication from scratch. Examples include adding coatings to enhance performance or altering dimensions to fit particular setups. Manufacturers often aim to encourage long-term partnerships by offering competitive prices for both small and large quantities of custom optics. This suggests that they are willing to work with customers to provide cost-effective solutions, countering the misconception that custom optics are always prohibitively expensive. In conclusion, choosing between custom optics and off-the-shelf optics depends on the specific requirements of the optical design project. Custom optics offer precise specifications and performance optimization but may

Optical coatings are used in virtually every aspect of our lives and are crucial for optimal light performance. From the digital camera you use to take Insta-worthy pictures to the protective glasses you wear while woodworking, having the right optical coating makes all the difference. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what types of optical coatings are available or why they need them. This blog post will provide an overview of the most common types of optical coatings and their uses. What Is Optical Coating? Optical coating is an advanced process used to enhance the performance of optical components. It involves applying a very thin layer of material to the surface of glass and plastic lenses, prisms, and mirrors to modify the interaction between those surfaces and light. The ability to change the way light transmits and reflects makes optical coating a necessity in optics. With this process, light waves can be bent, reflected, or even blocked in certain frequencies, allowing us to customize optical devices according to our needs. A wide range of advanced materials is utilized in optical coating, from metallic reflectors for sunscreens and sunglasses to specialized dielectrics for improved camera contrast. Without this innovative process, many would not be able to see as clearly or experience all that technology has to offer these days. Types of Optical Coatings Various optical coatings are available, each serving a special purpose and offering unique advantages. Let’s explore the most common types: High-Reflective Coating: A high-reflective optical coating is rapidly becoming an essential component in optics. This coating helps enhance light transmission and reflectivity in applications with wavelength ranges from 200 nm to 2000 nm, from automotive headlamps to cell phone cameras. It is incredibly thin and durable, able to withstand extremes of temperature, humidity, and impact.  High-reflective coatings find widespread use in consumer products, from movie projectors to solar panels. Their reflective properties make them perfect for those seeking super-fast focusing times at a fraction of the cost, offering high performance for various optical devices. Low-Reflective Coating: A low-reflective optical coating is an ideal choice for applications that require maximum light throughput and minimal reflection. This type of optical coating is often used in medical imaging and high-end camera lenses, where a clear image without any fuzziness is essential. It can also be found in laser systems, making it perfect for those looking to reduce glare from their optics. These coatings are renowned for providing extremely low reflectivity levels, even at angles as low as 0°. Best of all, they remain highly durable in extreme temperature variations and humidity conditions. Anti-reflection Coating: An anti-reflection coating is an ultra-thin film applied to eyeglasses or other optical components to reduce reflections and glare. This coating eliminates the need for large lenses, making them much lighter and more comfortable to wear. It also increases clarity by reducing internal reflection within the lens itself. Anti-reflection coatings are often used in eyeglasses, cell phones, cameras, and other optical devices. Their ability to minimize glare makes them perfect for night vision applications or situations where high visibility is crucial. Perforated Gold Coating Reflective Mirrors Materials for Optical Coatings Optical coatings can be applied to various materials, from glass and plastic lenses to mirrors and prisms. Here are some of the most common materials used in optical coating: Silicon Dioxide (SiO2): Silicon dioxide (SiO2) is incredibly useful in optics and optical coatings. Not only is it long-lasting even under high-temperature conditions, but it also has excellent transparency and refractive index properties. This makes it the perfect choice for any optical coating, providing stunning clarity and vibrancy in any image or video. Its unique composition allows multiple coats of SiO2 to adhere firmly to surfaces for a flawless finish that can last very long. Titanium Dioxide (TiO2): Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is often used in optical coating applications due to its excellent durability and high refractive index. It is known for reducing reflection, making it perfect for eliminating glare from eyeglasses or reducing reflections on camera lenses. In addition, TiO2 can create a wide range of colors that can enhance the visual appeal of any device. Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2): Magnesium fluoride (MgF2) is an extremely hard wearing material that performs well in conditions with high temperatures or shock exposure. Its low absorption properties make it great for creating multi-layer coatings, allowing for enhanced light transmission and reduced reflection. It is commonly used in laser mirrors, camera lenses, and other scientific instruments. Fluorides: Fluoride-based coatings are highly popular due to their exceptional durability and weather resistance. They are often used in the automotive industry, where glass windows must remain scratch-free even after years of use. These coatings also offer a wide range of colors and can reduce reflection across multiple wavelengths. Germanium (Ge): Germanium is an incredibly useful material in optical coating applications. Not only does it provide superior hardness and low absorbance, but it also has excellent anti-reflective capabilities. It is often used to improve the performance of camera lenses or eyeglasses, reducing reflection and enhancing image sharpness. Metal Coatings: Metallic coatings can be applied to mirrors and other reflective surfaces for improved reflectivity over a wide range of wavelengths. These coatings are highly durable and can be used in various applications, from solar panel components to eyeglasses. Dielectric Coatings: Dielectric optical coatings are often used for improved contrast or clarity in cameras, televisions, and other electronic devices. They manipulate light waves at different frequencies to reduce reflection and increase light transmission. Optical coatings are an essential tool in the world of optics. They can be applied to any material, from glass and plastic lenses to mirrors and prisms, allowing us to customize our optical devices easily. Understanding the different types of optical coatings available will help you choose the right one for your needs. An optical coating can make all the difference, improving visibility and enhancing clarity in various applications. Next time you’re considering an optical component, keep in mind the importance of the right coating. Whether

BD6 and Germanium are vital for imaging systems, with BD6 for visible and near-infrared optics and Germanium for long-wave infrared.

BD6 material enhances imaging systems and coatings, propelling optical innovations with its remarkable properties.