Rod Lenses
Rod lenses are specialized cylindrical lenses commonly employed in various optical systems. They have a high aspect ratio with a diameter much smaller than their length, This unique design facilitates the efficient transfer of light along the length of the rod, minimizing distortion and aberrations.
These lenses undergo a meticulous process where they are highly polished on the circumference and ground on both ends. The resulting rod lenses perform analogously to standard cylinder lenses, finding applications in beam shaping and focusing collimated light into a line. Our lenses play a key part in many laser and imaging optical assemblies, and can be used for UV, visible and NIR applications.
Our Fused Silica Rod Lens offers particularly high transmission in the UV and through the NIR as well as a low coefficient of thermal expansion, 0.55 x 10E6 per °C. The refractive index of our JGS1 fused silica is 1.4585.
Cut-rod lenses are shaped by grinding the ends to the desired size, enabling customization from microsizes to full-sized lenses. However, caution should be exercised during handling as they typically lack chamfers.
Rod Lenses for Endoscopy
In endoscopy, polished rod lenses function as circular lenses, possessing the same optical properties as long, narrow-diameter circular lenses. These lenses are crucial components in rigid endoscopes, medical devices equipped with a light source for visualizing internal body cavities or organs. Unlike traditional microlenses, rod lens self-align to the endoscope tube’s diameter and provide structural support due to their unique shape. For endoscopy, precision-cut lenses with precise surface curvature are essential, and rod lenses fulfill these requirements.
Barcode Scanners
Rod Lenses play a crucial role in the precise and efficient reading of a barcode. They are used to focus and direct the light emitted from the scanner’s light source onto the barcode. The precision in their design ensures the reliability of barcode scanners in various industries, such as retail, logistics, and manufacturing.
Light Pipes
Rod lenses can also function as ‘light pipes,’ guiding light along their length. This is achieved through total internal reflection (TIR), which confines light within the rod, effectively turning its exterior into a mirror. This application is frequently employed in illumination systems.
Custom Rod Lenses
At Avantier, our range of custom rod lenses comes with substrate options, including Schott glass, Ohara glass, CDGM, Corning Fused Silica, JGS1, and JGS2. To ensure that each of our custom rod lenses complies with all relevant standards, we utilize state-of-the-art metrology equipment for rigorous quality control measures.
We can provide variations in polishing ground surfaces depending on the desired application. For example, rod lens intended for end-to-end use can be polished on both the circumference and ground ends.
Our factory standard guarantees a clear aperture of 90% of the central dimension, coupled with a focal length tolerance of +/-1%. The surface quality of relevant polished surfaces adheres to the 40-20 scratch-dig industry standard, ensuring high optical performance.
With a surface irregularity of λ/4, which is excellent for imaging and general laser applications, we encourage those considering high-powered lasers or other specialized applications to reach out and discuss our manufacturing limits.
Factory Standard
Substrate Material | Schott, Ohara, CDGM, Corning Fused Silica and JGS1, JGS2 |
Shape | Rod |
Focal length | +/-1% |
Surface Quality | 40-20 |
Surface Irregularity | l/4 @ 633nm |
Clear Aperture | >90% of central dimension |
Angle | +/-5″ |
Please contact us to discuss custom specifications. Our team is highly experienced in optical design and will assist in all stages of design and production.
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