Product forms
Common configurations
- Plano-convex and bi-convex lenses
- Plano-concave and bi-concave lenses
- Positive and negative meniscus lenses
- Achromatic doublets and custom cemented groups
Build-to-print precision optics
Custom Spherical Lenses
Spherical lenses are the most widely used focusing, collimating and imaging elements. The correct form depends on conjugate ratio, focal length, aperture, aberration budget, material, wavelength and how the lens is mounted.
Materials & wavelength
Substrate routes
Optical glass, fused silica, CaF₂, MgF₂, sapphire, silicon, germanium and ZnSe, subject to the working band.
UV, visible, VIS–NIR, MWIR and LWIR routes are evaluated by material, radius and coating.
End use
Typical applications
- Focusing and collimation
- Machine vision and imaging systems
- Laser beam delivery and illumination
- Sensors, medical and analytical instruments
Lens configuration guide
Plano-convex lenses for focusing and collimation
A plano-convex lens has one flat surface and one convex spherical surface. It is a common starting point for focusing a collimated beam or collimating light from a source. The choice depends on wavelength, source size, beam diameter, conjugates and image-quality requirements.
For an RFQ, distinguish effective focal length (EFL) from back focal length (BFL). State both where the optical design or mounting envelope requires them, and identify the reference wavelength and measurement surfaces. Include diameter, clear aperture, center thickness, edge details, surface radii or a controlled drawing, and dimensional tolerances.
Material and coating must match the application. Optical glass, fused silica or a suitable infrared substrate should be reviewed against the operating band, transmission, temperature and power conditions. Specify anti-reflection performance across the required band, angle of incidence and polarization.
Finally, state whether the lens is used for focusing or collimation, its orientation and available mounting space. Share the target spot size or collimated-beam requirement, quantity and inspection documents. We use these inputs to review the sourcing route; the approved quotation and drawing define the deliverable.
Technical background: optical lens geometries and focal-length terminology.
Browse specific lens types
Engineering discussion framework
Reference manufacturing and RFQ targets
These values show the type of requirement that can be evaluated. They are not a blanket capability guarantee. The signed quotation, approved drawing, sample and inspection plan control the final product.
| Parameter | Reference target / quotation note |
|---|---|
| Diameter route | Reference RFQ range: approximately 1–500 mm, subject to material, radius, center thickness and test aperture. |
| Clear aperture | Central 90% is a common target. |
| Surface irregularity | Targets to λ/20 at 632.8 nm may be evaluated for suitable geometries and apertures. |
| Surface quality | 10-5 scratch-dig target can be evaluated; other grades are quoted by application. |
| Centration | Below 1 arcmin may be specified, with tighter decenter/runout controlled by drawing and metrology. |
| Coating | AR, BBAR, laser-line, high-reflection or custom spectral design. |
Faster technical review
What to include in your RFQ
- Lens form, diameter, center thickness and radii or focal length
- Material and operating wavelength
- Surface figure, surface quality and centration
- Coating, AOI and environmental durability
- Prototype quantity, annual demand and inspection data
Final acceptance: Confirm all numerical values, material grade, coating curve, metrology, sampling plan and documentation on the purchase specification.
Spherical Lenses inquiriessales@tuolango.com
Attach drawings or spectra where possible. Factory visits and supplier audits are available by appointment for qualified projects after the route is confirmed.
Buyer questions
Spherical Lenses FAQ
Should I specify focal length or both surface radii?
For build-to-print work, provide the complete radii and thickness. For an optical-design request, provide effective focal length, conjugates, aperture, wavelength and performance target.
When is a meniscus lens useful?
A correctly oriented meniscus can help control spherical aberration and package geometry. The optimum form depends on conjugates and the surrounding optical system.
Can achromatic doublets be customized?
Yes. Wavelengths, focal length, aperture, glass availability, cement or air gap, temperature and mounting requirements should be defined.
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Ready to quote spherical lenses?
Send the drawing, material, wavelength, tolerances, coating, quantity and target date.