How the Abbe Sine Condition impacts optical designs
When making first order optical design calculations, most engineers use parameters based on paraxial (or ideal) systems. That is, lenses in which the chief rays are very close to the optical axis. However, that’s not always the case, and as we move away from paraxial optics conditions, the presence of aberrations has a greater impact […]
Using Auto-Collimators for Optical Assemblies
Optical alignment with auto-collimators The field of optics has witnessed remarkable advancements over the years, enabling the development of increasingly complex and precise optical assemblies. In this pursuit of perfection, engineers and researchers have turned to specialized tools like auto-collimators to ensure the accuracy and alignment of optical components. An auto-collimator is a versatile optical […]
3 Rules For Plano Convex Lens Design
Plano convex lens design is simple compared to many optical systems, but there are fine details that a lens designer needs to pay attention to. Plano convex lenses are lenses with a positive focal length. This is a very common configuration, and a plano convex can be manufactured in different glass types, with different coatings, […]
Exploring LIDAR Lens Design: Innovations and Applications in Optical Engineering
Introduction LIDAR, short for Light Detection and Ranging. In recent years, LIDAR has emerged as a transformative force across a multitude of industries, revolutionizing everything from autonomous vehicles to archaeology. But what exactly is LIDAR, how does it work, and why is it so significant? In this article, we will delve into the intricate world […]
Understanding objective lenses
Introduction In previous entries, we have talked about the design of scanning microscopes, infinity corrected microscopes, confocal microscope design, and Koehler illumination systems-a common illumination system in microscopes. The most essential microscope element in a borescope design is the objective lens. Microscope objective lenses are a crucial part of a microscope, responsible for magnifying the […]
How much does a custom lens cost?
A straightforward question, with no direct answer. The price of lenses depends on the design complexity, material, manufacturing process, and production series size. A mass-produced lens, made from injection-molded plastic at volume 500,000 units, could cost $0.20 per element. At the same time, a glass lens with one element made in a batch of ten […]