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We are a world leader in high precision optical manufacturing, delivering custom optics to a wide range of innovators around the globe. Meeting these goals demands the right people. Teamwork, adaptability, and an enthusiastic approach to problem-solving are central to the Optimax culture. But what unites all our employees best is a hunger to continuously learn. We strive to find driven individuals who are committed to lifelong learning; who will continue to add value in their work throughout long and successful careers.

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Aspheric Optics

Optical systems integrators rely on Optimax to deliver high-quality aspheric lenses with the most precise focusing properties. Precision asphere manufacturing requires the right technology and know-how. We have one of the largest teams of technical experts in the industry, with years of experience tackling critical issues in aspheric lens manufacturing. Our unique expertise in specifying, manufacturing, tolerancing, and measuring aspheres allows us to develop innovative and collaborative partnerships with our customers, adding the maximum value to end-users.

Our aspherical lenses enable optical designers to overcome the intrinsic aberrations associated with spherical lenses, and to reduce system size and weight, ultimately leading to optical setups that are more compact and efficient than conventional systems. Optimax specializes in manufacturing high-quality aspheric lenses; leading the way with unmatched investment in cutting-edge equipment and testing, this allows us to develop deeply collaborative partnerships with our customers, adding maximum value to end-users.

Aspheres

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Aspheres

What is an Asphere?

An asphere is an optical element with one or more aspheric surfaces – a complex surface with non-constant curvature. These unique geometries have the ability to impart superior performance to optical systems by mitigating spherical aberrations. For imaging systems, aspheres enable clearer, sharper images. Additionally, a single aspheric optic can often be used in place of multiple optical elements, allowing for smaller and lighter systems.

Specifying Aspheric Optics

Specifying an asphere begins with a custom aspheric form, often fit to the Forbes Q Polynomial (Figure 1) or the Even Aspheric Equation (Figure 2).

Describing form involves specifying Vertex Radius (I/C). Conic Constant (k) and applicable Aspheric Coefficients (a). Including a Sag Table (Figure 3) provides reference information to check correct data entry for each manufacturing or metrology tool used. We accept asphere designs from our customers in manufacturing drawing format or by optical design software files (preferably, Zemax).

Our team is well versed in providing manufacturability feedback and providing cost and lead time trade-offs for various tolerancing schemes. If you have a question about your design, don’t hesitate to contact Optimax.

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Forbes Q Polynomial

Aspheres

Figure 1

Even Aspheric Equation

Aspheres

Figure 2

Sag Table

Aspheres

Figure 3

Manufacturing Aspheric Lenses

The foundation of our optics manufacturing expertise is the breadth of our metrology knowledge. After all, as the old adage states, “if you can’t measure it, you can’t make it.” Our metrology solutions range from industry-available tools to Optimax-built systems, including custom interferometric test set-ups, stitching interferometry, non-contact and contact profilometers, and high-precision CMM instruments.

A wide range of manufacturing platforms accompany this wide range of metrology tools – again, industry-available and Optimax-built tools for aspheric grinding, polishing, deterministic finishing, and smoothing. This wide range of solutions allows us to provide customers with high-quality, precision aspheres with few limitations.

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Technical Expertise

Do you want to learn more about our optical manufacturing innovation? Refer to our Knowledge Center to read technical papers on, aspheres, business leadership, coatings, freeform optics, innovative optics manufacturing, and lens tolerancing & inspection.

Aspheric Optics

Asphere Manufacturing Considerations for the Designer-test

There are many topics to consider during aspheric lens design, including geometrical restrictions that hinder producing particular aspheric shapes. Understanding these restrictions will help drive costs. 

Aspheric Optics

Profit through predictability: The MRF difference at Optimax

In an effort to reduce variation and improve predictability, Optimax integrated magnetorheological finishing into its aspheric lens manufacturing process.

Aspheric Optics

The sum of all errors: Technical Digest

Optimax Systems uses this MRF process to correct aspheric lenses in transmission to subwavelength errors.

Aspheric Optics

Specifying, Manufacturing and Measuring Aspheric Lenses – Part II

The similarities and differences between tolerancing, manufacturing, and measuring spherical and aspheric surfaces are important.

Aspheric Optics

Asphere Manufacturing Considerations for the Designer

There are many topics to consider during aspheric lens design, including geometrical restrictions that hinder producing particular aspheric shapes. Understanding these restrictions will help drive costs. 

Aspheric Optics

Aspheric glass lens modeling and machining

The evolution of the manufacturing technology for a specific aspheric glass lens can provide significant image quality improvement, reduction of the number of lens elements, smaller size, and lower weight. 

Aspheric Optics

Introduction to Asphere Metrology

There are numerous metrology options for aspheres, including how they work, requirements, and what is specified with each method in an effort to tolerance aspheres.

Aspheric Optics

Profit through predictability: The MRF difference at Optimax

In an effort to reduce variation and improve predictability, Optimax integrated magnetorheological finishing into its aspheric lens manufacturing process.

Aspheric Optics

Make it like you use it

Testing and correcting the aspheric lens as it is used in transmission addresses some of the shortcomings of traditional 3D surface metrology.

Aspheric Optics

Trials and Tribulations of Optical Manufacturing: Asphere Edition

Optimax Systems, Inc., a leader in quick delivery prototype optics, has been manufacturing aspheric lenses for more than 20 years. Along the way, we have learned many lessons and provide …

Aspheric Optics

Practical Design Software Eases Asphere Manufacturability

Recent design methods and software advances make it much easier to design aspheric surfaces that actually work in production and test by considering manufacturability issues at the earliest possible stage …

Manufacturing the Future

At Optimax, we are manufacturing the future, creating the highest precision optics underlying high-tech systems in key markets and applications. We offer rapid and expedited delivery upon request and are committed to our customers in the long term.

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