Aspheres have one or more optical surfaces of nonconstant curvature, with departure from a spherical surface representing the asphericity of the surface. Aspheres are typically defined by a polynomial equation and reduce the number of elements required in an optical system, reducing system size and weight. Used to manage aberrations inherent to spherical lens systems, aspheres are commonly found in telescopes, camera lenses, and diagnostic instruments.
 

Specifying Aspheres

Specifying an asphere begins with a custom aspheric form, often fit to the General Aspheric Equation (Figure 1). Describing form involves specifying Vertex Radius (I/C). Conic Constant (k) and applicable Aspheric Coefficients (a). Including a Sag Table (Figure 2) provides reference information to check correct data entry for each manufacturing or metrology tool used.

Figure 1		Figure 2

Optimax places tolerances on vertex radius and form error, without tolerances on conic constant or aspheric coefficients. Even aspheric coefficients are preferred.

For more information please see Optimax Technical Notes Specifying, Manufacturing and Measuring Aspheric Lens - Part I and Part II.

Manufacturing Technology

Optimax makes aspheres from optical materials such as glass, fused silica, crystals and ceramics for UV, Visible and IR applications using proprietary "grind and shine" techniques to produce low scatter surfaces. Optimax utilizes deterministic CNC machine tools for predictable removal rates and adherence to tight tolerances. To control centration, precision tools constrain the optical axis.

For more information plese see Optimax Technical Notes:

• Specifying, Manufacturing and Measuring Aspheric Lens - Part I
• Specifying, Manufacturing and Measuring Aspheric Lens - Part II
• Optimax's Manufacturing Tolerances Chart
• Optimax's Asphere Manufacturing Limits

Testing Aspheres

Optimax uses surface profilers and interferometers to verify that parts meet the form error specification. Testing options are form specific, lenses with mild departure from a best fit sphere have the highest potential for fractional wave precision.

For more information please see Optimax's Asphere Metrology Matrix.
 

Coating Capabilities

Our clean environment thin film coating lab has capability to coat from UV through IR wavelengths. Featuring multiple chambers with deposition sources, including electron-beam and ion assist, Optimax can offer a wide variety of coating options including BBAR, V-coat, and mirror coatings. Custom coatings are also available. Coating verification is supported by Perkin-Elmer spectrophotometers.

For more information please see Optimax's Coatings Data Sheet.
 

Quality Assurance

Optimax inspects 100% of all optics. Test data is provided with prototype orders. The use of state-of-the-art metrology assures customer satisfaction.

For more information please see Optimax's Inspection Data Options. 

Fast Delivery

Optimax manufactures a wide variety of optical components. When on-time delivery is crucial, Optimax offers an expedited delivery option with a money back guarantee.

For more information please see the information on Optimax's On-Time Guarantee.