Drawing-based optical sourcing
Custom Plano-Convex Lenses
Review custom plano-convex lenses for collimation, illumination and focusing systems. With one flat and one convex spherical surface, this lens form provides a straightforward starting point for a controlled single-element optical design.
Define the focal length in its working configuration
Specify effective focal length at a stated wavelength, and add back focal length when the distance from the rear surface to the focus controls your package. Include input beam diameter or source size, working distance and the available mounting envelope.
Lens orientation and conjugates affect aberration. Show the incident-light direction on the drawing and assess the lens in the intended system. At high numerical aperture or with a tight spot requirement, review the design alongside a polished asphere rather than relying on lens shape alone.
Plano-convex or bi-convex?
Use the source and image distances to compare the two forms. A plano-convex lens is commonly considered for a collimated beam or unequal conjugates; a bi-convex form is worth reviewing for finite-conjugate imaging. Your optical model and allowable aberration determine the final choice.
Applications and system inputs
- Source collimation and detector illumination
- Laser and single-band beam focusing
- Condensers and instrument optical paths
Share the operating conditions and required optical performance for your application. Material, geometry and inspection scope are reviewed together before quotation.
Plano-Convex Lenses specification checklist
The table identifies the inputs needed to review this lens family. The approved drawing and quotation define the supplied configuration, tolerances and documentation.
| Specification | Information for your drawing or RFQ |
|---|---|
| Lens definition | Diameter, convex radius, center thickness and plano face |
| Focal data | EFL and required BFL at the reference wavelength |
| Optical input | Beam diameter, conjugates and lens orientation |
| Substrate | Optical glass or fused-silica grade matched to the operating band |
| Coating | Uncoated or specified AR band, angle and polarization |
| Inspection | Surface figure, centration, clear aperture and edge geometry |
Send a complete lens RFQ
- Attach the controlled optical drawing or system layout, including revision and units.
- State the wavelength, substrate grade, coating and operating environment.
- Identify optical and mechanical acceptance limits and required test records.
- Provide prototype quantity, expected production demand and requested delivery date.
Include the destination market, packaging requirements and whether you need loose elements, a matched set or a mounted assembly. If a parameter is still open, identify it as a design-review item.
Send the drawing and application inputs so the selected manufacturing route can be reviewed. Material availability, MOQ, lead time and achievable tolerances are confirmed for your project.
Plano-Convex Lenses FAQ
Is effective focal length the same as back focal length?
They use different reference locations. Specify the value required by your optical design and identify the measurement reference.
Can the lens be coated for my laser wavelength?
Provide the laser wavelength, power conditions, incidence angle and required reflectance. The coating route is reviewed for the selected material and surface geometry.