Optical lenses are transparent optical components consisting of one or more pieces of optical glass with surfaces so curved (usually spherical) that they serve to converge or diverge the transmitted rays from an object, thus forming a real or virtual image of that object.
We offer a wide range of custom and standard optical lenses for almost any application.
Selection Criteria
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Lens Type | Function | Costs | Image Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | Spherical Singlet Lenses | Focussing to one point | Low | Limited image quality due to chromatic and spherical aberration |
| 2 | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | Spherical Doublet Lenses | Focussing to one point | Average | Chromatic aberration is corrected for two selected wavelengths. This additionally leads to a significant correction of the spherical aberration. |
| 3 | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | Aspheric Lenses | Focussing to one point | High for small quantities Average for high quantities | Spherical aberration is fully corrected for a selected wavelength. Generally useful for a wide range of single wavelengths. Since chromatic aberration is not corrected, images are blurred in broadband applications. |
| 4 | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:42 PM | Cylindrical Lenses | Focusing to one line | Average | Corresponds to the spherical singlet, but is only used for focussing in a plane. |
Specifications
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Specification | Available Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:43 PM | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:43 PM | Range of dimensions | 1mm – 300mm |
| 2 | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:43 PM | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:43 PM | Highest available surface figure | λ/10 (DIN: 3/0.2) |
| 3 | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:43 PM | benjamin | 04/05/2026 12:43 PM | Highest available surface quality | 20-10 S/D (DIN: 5/2×0.1) |
The different types of optical lenses are optimized for special applications. The following section explains the typical applications of the lenses.
Plano-convex lenses (PCX-lenses)
Plano-convex optical lenses have a positive focal length. They are most suitable where one conjugate is more than five times the other, e.g. in sensor applications or for use with nearly collimated light. They are also used in applications where both conjugates are on the same side of the lens, e.g. as an add – on lens to increase the numerical aperture.
Double-Convex lenses (DCX-lenses)
Double-Convex (DCX) optical lenses are most suitable where the conjugates are on opposite sides of the lens and the ratio of the distances is less than 5:1, e.g. as simple image relay components.
Plano-Concave lenses (PCV-lenses)
Plano-Concave (PCV) optical lenses have one flat and one inward curved surface. PCV lenses have a negative focal length and are used for image reduction or to spread light.
Double-Concave lenses (DCV-lenses)
Double-Concave (DCV) optical lenses have two inward curved surfaces. DCV lenses have a negative focal length and are used for image reduction or to spread light.
Concave-Convex lenses (CVCX-lenses)
Concave-Convex optical lenses, also known as meniscus lenses, have one inward-curved (concave) surface and one outward-curved (convex) surface. Depending on the relative curvatures, they can have either a positive or negative focal length. These lenses are commonly used to reduce spherical aberration in optical systems, improve image quality, and slightly converge or diverge light while maintaining better control over aberrations compared to simple singlet lenses.
Cylindrical lenses
Cylindrical optical lenses are used to spread or focus light in one plane.
Achromatic lenses
Achromatic optical lenses consists of two or more elements, usually of crown and flint glass, such that the composite element has been corrected for chromatic aberration with respect to two selected wavelengths. In these lenses, chromatic, spherical and coma aberrations are considerably reduced. These components are designed with respect to three wavelengths: 480 nm, 546nm and 644nm. Use achromats to replace singlets where performance must be improved.
