Description
Broadband AR Coated Achromatic Lenses
Broadband AR coated achromatic lenses are precision optical components designed to reduce chromatic aberration while providing high light transmission across a broad wavelength range. By combining multiple optical glass elements with broadband anti-reflective coatings, these achromatic lenses help produce sharp, high-contrast images for demanding optical imaging and measurement systems.
Jiujon Optics manufactures broadband AR coated achromatic lenses using optical materials from CDGM and SCHOTT. The lenses are designed for applications where chromatic aberration correction, optical transmission, surface quality, and dimensional accuracy are important. Broadband AR coatings can be specified according to the required operating wavelength and optical system.
Features of Broadband AR Coated Achromatic Lenses
- Multi-glass achromatic design for chromatic aberration correction
- Broadband AR coating reduces surface reflection and optical loss
- High light transmission across visible and near-infrared wavelength ranges
- Precision optical surfaces for demanding imaging applications
- High surface quality of 40/20
- Clear aperture of 90% for efficient light collection
- Centering accuracy below 1 arcminute
- Custom optical and coating specifications available
Optical Performance
Chromatic aberration occurs because different wavelengths of light are refracted by an optical material at different rates. In a conventional single-element lens, this can cause different wavelengths to focus at different positions, resulting in color fringing and reduced image sharpness.
Achromatic lenses use multiple optical elements made from different types of glass to compensate for this wavelength-dependent focusing effect. This multi-glass design helps bring different wavelengths closer to a common focal position and provides improved image quality over a broader spectral range.
The broadband AR coating further improves optical performance by reducing reflection at the lens surfaces. Lower surface reflection increases transmitted light and can help improve system efficiency, image brightness, and contrast.
For optical systems operating across a wide wavelength range, the combination of achromatic correction and broadband anti-reflective coating makes these lenses suitable for applications requiring stable imaging performance and efficient light transmission.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Broadband AR Coated Achromatic Lenses |
| Substrate | CDGM / SCHOTT |
| Dimensional Tolerance | -0.05 mm |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.02 mm |
| Radius Tolerance | ±0.02 mm |
| Surface Flatness | 1 (0.5) @ 632.8 nm or better |
| Surface Quality | 40/20 or better |
| Edges | Protective Bevel as Needed |
| Clear Aperture | 90% |
| Centering | <1′ |
| Coating | Rabs <0.5% @ Design Wavelength |
Custom specifications can be evaluated according to the required optical design, wavelength range, lens dimensions, coating requirements, and application environment.
Applications of Achromatic Lenses
Broadband AR coated achromatic lenses are suitable for a wide range of precision optical systems, including:
- Microscopy and medical imaging
- Spectrometers and analytical instruments
- Astronomy and telescopes
- Laser systems and beam delivery
- Machine vision and optical inspection
- Imaging and measurement equipment
- Scientific instruments
- Optical sensing systems
- OEM optical assemblies
In microscopy and medical imaging systems, achromatic correction can help improve image clarity and reduce wavelength-dependent focus errors. In spectrometers and analytical instruments, broadband transmission can help maintain efficient light collection across the required spectral range.
For machine vision and optical inspection systems, achromatic lenses can provide improved image quality when multiple wavelengths or broadband illumination are used. In laser and beam delivery systems, the appropriate optical design and AR coating can help reduce reflection losses and improve transmission.
Benefits of Broadband AR Coated Achromatic Lenses
The main advantage of broadband AR coated achromatic lenses is the combination of chromatic aberration correction and improved transmission.
The achromatic lens design helps reduce color-related focusing errors, while the broadband AR coating minimizes reflection from the optical surfaces. Together, these characteristics can improve image sharpness, contrast, brightness, and overall optical efficiency.
For systems operating over a wider wavelength range, selecting an appropriate achromatic lens can also reduce the need for additional optical correction elements. This can help simplify the optical design while maintaining the required imaging performance.
Precision Manufacturing and Inspection
Jiujon Optics provides precision manufacturing for achromatic lenses and other custom optical components. Manufacturing processes include optical grinding, polishing, cleaning, coating, and precision inspection.
The production process is supported by optical inspection and measurement equipment, including the Hitachi UH4150 Spectrophotometer and ZYGO Interferometer. These instruments are used for evaluating optical transmission, coating characteristics, surface performance, and optical precision.
For OEM projects, Jiujon Optics can work with customer drawings, samples, optical specifications, or application requirements to develop suitable achromatic optical lenses.
How to Select an Achromatic Lens
When selecting an achromatic lens for an optical system, the required wavelength range should be considered first. The optical glass combination and AR coating should match the operating spectral range to achieve the required transmission and correction performance.
Other important parameters include focal length, lens diameter, center thickness, clear aperture, surface quality, surface flatness, centering, and dimensional tolerances.
The application should also be considered. Imaging systems may prioritize chromatic correction and image quality, while spectrometers and analytical instruments may place greater emphasis on broadband transmission. Laser systems may require coating specifications matched to the operating wavelength and power level.
For OEM applications, Jiujon Optics can evaluate customized dimensions, optical requirements, coating specifications, and production quantities.
Related Optical Components
Jiujon Optics also manufactures a range of precision optical components, including plano-convex lenses, plano-concave lenses, cylinder lenses, optical filters, optical windows, optical mirrors, and prisms.
For more information about achromatic lens design and chromatic aberration correction, refer to the technical resources provided by RP Photonics.
If you need broadband AR coated achromatic lenses for imaging, measurement, microscopy, spectroscopy, laser systems, or other optical applications, contact Jiujon Optics with your optical requirements, drawings, or samples for evaluation.
