A cylindrical lens is an optical element that focuses or expands light in one axis only, transforming a circular beam into a line or correcting astigmatism in optical systems. Unlike spherical lenses, cylindrical lenses are essential where one-dimensional beam control is required.
Shape Optics manufactures a wide range of high-precision cylindrical lenses, including:
- Plano-convex cylindrical lenses
- Plano-concave cylindrical lenses
- Double-convex cylindrical lenses
- Double-concave cylindrical lenses
All lenses are produced with tight dimensional tolerances, excellent surface quality, and optional custom coatings, ensuring stable and repeatable performance in laser and instrumentation applications.
Functions of Cylindrical Lenses
- Focus laser beams into lines rather than points
- Shape and homogenize laser beam profiles
- Expand or compress beams along a single axis
- Correct astigmatism in imaging systems
- Improve measurement accuracy in optical instruments
Applications
- Laser rangefinders and laser alignment instruments
- Analytical and laboratory instruments
- Optical testing and inspection systems
- Medical and biomedical instruments
- Laser beam shaping and processing systems
Key Benefits
- High surface quality for low scatter and high contrast
- High precision manufacturing for accurate focal length control
- Custom optical coatings based on wavelength and application
- Multiple standard sizes available, reducing lead time
- Stable optical performance in demanding environments
Materials & General Specifications
- Materials: Crown & Flint optical glass, Fused Silica, and other materials on request
- Size Tolerance: ±0.05 mm to ±0.20 mm
- Focal Length Tolerance: ±0.5% to ±2%
- Surface Flatness: 1/2λ to 1/20λ
- Surface Quality: up to 20/10
Standard Cylindrical Lens Dimensions
Below are typical standard models available from Shape Optics. Custom sizes are also supported.
| Effective Focal Length (mm) | Dimension (L × W, mm) | Center Thickness (mm) | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.35 | 6.35 × 6.35 | 3.3 | CYXL-6.35-6.35×6.35-S |
| 12.7 | 12.7 × 12.7 | 5.9 | CYXL-12.7-12.7×12.7-S |
| 12.7 | 25.4 × 12.7 | 5.9 | CYXL-12.7-25.4×12.7-S |
| 25.4 | 25.4 × 12.7 | 9.99 | CYXL-25.4-25.4×12.7-S |
| 25.4 | 25.4 × 25.4 | 11.31 | CYXL-25.4-25.4×25.4-S |
| 50.8 | 50.8 × 12.7 | 3.78 | CYXL-50.8-50.8×12.7-S |
| 50.8 | 25.4 × 25.4 | 5.28 | CYXL-50.8-25.4×25.4-S |
| 50.8 | 50.8 × 50.8 | 21.61 | CYXL-50.8-50.8×50.8-S |
| 80 | 40 × 20 | 4.23 | CYXL-80-40×20-S |
| 80 | 60 × 40 | 8.16 | CYXL-80-60×40-S |
| 100 | 60 × 50 | 9.45 | CYXL-100-60×50-S |
Note: Dimensions shown are standard offerings. Custom focal lengths, sizes, and thicknesses are available upon request.
Manufacturing & Custom Capabilities
- Precision cylindrical grinding and polishing
- High-accuracy centration and surface inspection
- Wavelength-specific AR and laser coatings
- Prototype to volume production support
- Custom designs based on drawings or optical requirements