Achromatic Lenses
The achromatic lens is an important optical component that addresses the issue of chromatic aberrations, which often occur in optical systems with traditional lenses. Chromatic aberrations occur due to the dispersion of light, where different wavelengths bend at varying angles while passing through an optical element. This results in non-coinciding focal points for different colors of light, causing blurred or color-fringed images. Chromatic aberration is particularly noticeable in traditional lenses, where the refractive index of the material causes light to bend differently based on its wavelength. This phenomenon can hinder the imaging capabilities of optical systems, impacting industries like photography, microscopy, and astronomy in which image clarity and quality are paramount.
Achromatic lenses correct these chromatic aberrations by combining two or more lens elements, carefully selected for their dispersive properties. By utilizing materials with different dispersion characteristics, achromatic lenses effectively focus different wavelengths of light to a single point, thereby minimizing color fringing and enhancing image quality. A typical achromatic lens consists of two lens elements: a positive (convex) lens made from a low dispersion glass (e.g. crown glass), and a negative (concave) lens made from a high dispersion glass (e.g. flint glass). The combination of these two elements cancels out chromatic aberration, resulting in improved image clarity and chromatic fidelity.
Achromatic lenses have widespread applications in various optical systems due to their ability to correct chromatic aberrations and enhance image quality. A few notable applications include:
- Photography and Imaging: Achromatic lenses are commonly used in cameras, camcorders, and telescopes to ensure sharp and accurate imaging, free from color fringing and distortion.
- Microscopy: Achromatic lenses are vital components in microscopes, enabling researchers to observe microscopic samples with exceptional clarity and accurate color representation.
- Medical Instruments: Achromatic lenses play a crucial role in medical instruments such as endoscopes and ophthalmoscopes by ensuring accurate visualization and diagnosis.
- Laser Systems: Achromatic lenses are employed in laser systems to improve beam quality and enable precise focusing of laser beams.
Through the careful combination of lens elements with different dispersion properties, achromatic lenses provide exceptional image quality, improved color accuracy, and enhanced optical performance across a wide range of applications. As technology continues to advance, achromatic lenses will remain a cornerstone of precision optics, enabling new frontiers in imaging, research, and industrial applications.
Material:
- Optical glass, UV fused silica (JGS1), infrared fused silica (JGS3) and calcium fluoride (CaF2), Barium fluoride (BaF2) and other crystalline material
Achromatic Lens Capabilities
Specifications |
Factory Standards |
Manufacturing Limit |
Dimension Tolerance |
+/-0.03mm |
+/-0.01mm |
Center Thickness Tolerance |
+/-0.03 mm |
+/-0.02mm |
Radius Tolerance |
+/-0.3% |
+/-0.2% |
Surface Quality(S/D) |
20-10 |
10-5 |
Irregularity |
1/5Lambda |
< 1/10Lambda |
Centration(arc min) |
3′ |
1′ |
Avantier Inc. offers achromatic lenses as custom optical components that can be manufactured according to different designs’ varying needs. Please contact us if you’d like to schedule a consultation or request for a quote on your next project.
WE CAN HELP YOU!
Contact us NOW for sales & expert advice.