Optical Lenses
Optical lenses are components that focus or disperse a light beam toward or away from specific targets. Lenses are made from materials that are transparent across specific wavelength ranges depending on the application. Optical lenses can be crafted with various properties such as Plano-Convex or Bi-Convex, which focuses light on a point while Plano-Concave and Double-Concave diverges the light beams.
Aspheric lenses contain at least one surface that is neither cylindrical or spherical and are used to correct spherical aberration while chromatic lenses are used to correct color/chromatic aberrations.
Firebird also offers a number of custom lenses such as ball lenses, fresnel lenses, laser lenses and more.
Reach out to us at info@firebirdoptics.com for more information.
Silicon (Si) Plano-Convex (PCX) Lenses
Silicon (Si) Plano-Convex (PCX) Lenses
Firebird Optics’ plano-convex Silicon (Si) lenses are the primary way to focus parallel rays of IR radiation into a single point. These types of lenses are also referred to as positive or converging lenses.
Firebird provides a range of sizes and shapes both coated and uncoated though if you do not see your desired silicon lens please contact us and we can quote for a custom lens.
What you get with a Firebird Optics ZnSe Plano-Convex Lens
Each lens goes through a thorough inspection process before leaving our factory.
Diameters ranging from 25.4-50.8mm and additional options upon request.
Effective Focal Lengths (EFL) range from 25.4-200mm.
Additional optical coatings available upon request.
Specs:
Lens shape: plano-convex
Surface quality: 60-40 scratch-dig
Surface flatness: λ/8
Surface accuracy: 1.5 λ
Chamfers Angle/Tolerance: 45° ±15°
Clear aperture: ≥central 90% of surface area
Silicon Plano-Convex Lenses: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications in Infrared Optics
Silicon plano-convex lenses are essential optical components used in a variety of applications in both visible light and infrared (IR) domains. Silicon is a widely used material in the field of optics due to its unique optical properties and ease of fabrication. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of silicon plano-convex lenses, their applications in infrared optics, and how they compare to other IR materials.
Advantages of Silicon Plano-Convex Lenses
Silicon plano-convex lenses offer several key advantages that make them attractive for various optical systems:
Broad Spectrum Transparency: Silicon has good transparency across a wide spectrum, from the ultraviolet (UV) to the mid-infrared (approximately 1.1 µm). This characteristic makes silicon plano-convex lenses suitable for applications that require operation in both visible and infrared wavelengths.
Low Dispersion: Silicon exhibits low dispersion properties, meaning it effectively minimizes chromatic aberrations in optical systems. This feature ensures better image quality and reduced color fringing effects, particularly beneficial for imaging applications.
Chemical and Mechanical Stability: Silicon is highly chemically and mechanically stable, making it resistant to degradation in harsh environmental conditions. This stability ensures long-lasting performance and reliability, even in challenging operating environments.
Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to some other IR materials, silicon is relatively cost-effective, making it a practical choice for various applications where budget constraints may be a consideration.
Applications of Silicon Plano-Convex Lenses in Infrared Optics
Silicon plano-convex lenses find extensive applications in the field of infrared optics:
Thermal Imaging: Silicon lenses are commonly used in thermal imaging cameras that operate in the mid-infrared spectrum. They allow for efficient focusing of infrared radiation onto the detector, enabling the creation of detailed thermal images.
IR Spectroscopy: Silicon plano-convex lenses are employed in infrared spectroscopy to analyze the interactions between matter and infrared radiation. Their low dispersion characteristics ensure accurate spectral analysis.
Night Vision Devices: Silicon lenses are used in night vision devices that rely on infrared light for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. These lenses enable efficient light gathering and imaging in the infrared spectrum.
Comparative Analysis to Other IR Materials
When compared to other IR materials, silicon plano-convex lenses have distinct advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages over Germanium: Silicon lenses offer broader spectral transparency, including UV and visible wavelengths, whereas germanium primarily operates in the mid-infrared range. Additionally, silicon is more cost-effective than germanium, making it a preferred choice for certain applications.
Advantages over Zinc Selenide: Silicon has better UV transparency, while zinc selenide excels in the longer mid-infrared range. The choice between these materials depends on the specific spectral requirements of the application.
Disadvantages compared to Chalcogenide Glasses: Chalcogenide glasses, such as AMTIR-1, possess extended infrared transparency beyond silicon's range. Silicon lenses are limited to approximately 1.1 µm in the infrared, whereas chalcogenide glasses can operate in the long-wave infrared.
