Meniscus Lens
Meniscus Lenses
A meniscus lens features a distinctive crescent shape with one concave and one convex surface, both sharing similar radii of curvature. This unique geometry allows the lens to function as either a converging or diverging element depending on its design. Unlike symmetrical lens configurations, the meniscus design minimizes off-axis aberrations when properly oriented, making these lenses particularly valuable in multi-element optical systems where aberration control is critical.
Star-optics manufactures precision meniscus lenses in both positive and negative focal lengths, designed to modify optical system performance without introducing significant spherical aberration or coma. These specialized lenses, characterized by two curved surfaces with similar radii of curvature, are essential components for adjusting focal length, increasing numerical aperture, and optimizing beam characteristics in complex optical assemblies. Our meniscus lenses are meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional optical performance across visible and infrared wavelengths.
Positive Meniscus Lenses
Positive meniscus lenses have a positive focal length and act as converging elements. They are commonly used to reduce the focal length of an optical system while increasing numerical aperture with controlled spherical aberration. For best performance, collimated light should be incident on the convex surface when expanding or shaping beams, and on the concave surface when collimating converging light.
Key applications: Focal length reduction in imaging systems, numerical aperture enhancement in microscopy, beam shaping in laser systems, and aberration control in multi-element assemblies.
Negative Meniscus Lenses
Negative meniscus lenses have a negative focal length and function as diverging elements. They are typically used to increase system focal length, reduce numerical aperture, or expand beam diameter while maintaining low aberration. For focused beam collimation, light should be incident on the concave surface to minimize spherical aberration.
Key applications: Beam expansion in laser systems, focal length extension in telephoto designs, field flattening in imaging systems, and aberration correction in compound optical systems.
Factory Standard
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Optical glass / Fused silica / Sapphire |
| Diameter Range | 2 mm to 300 mm |
| Diameter Tolerance | ±0.05 mm (≤50 mm); ±0.1 mm (>50 mm) |
| Focal Length Range | -2000 mm to +2000 mm |
| Focal Length Tolerance | ±0.2% (<10 mm); ±0.5% (10–1000 mm); ±1% (>1000 mm) |
| Center Thickness | 2 mm to 20 mm |
| Surface Quality | 60/40, 40/20 |
| Surface Accuracy | λ/2 to λ/10 @ 632.8 nm, 532 nm |
| Clear Aperture | >85% of diameter |
| Centration | <3 arc min to 30 arc sec |
| Coating Options | Custom AR coatings per application requirements |
Custom Meniscus Lenses
We supply custom meniscus lenses in both positive and negative configurations, supporting non-standard focal lengths, optimized curvatures, and material selection to match specific optical system requirements. Our engineering team assists with parameter optimization, including radii of curvature and center thickness, to ensure proper system integration.
