Customers trust Optimax to create high-quality optics and deliver them fast, and our freeforms are no exception. Designing with freeforms requires fewer elements, lighter weight and increased flexibility for your system.
Freeform optical shapes or optical surfaces are gaining popularity with lens designers and optical system integrators. Now, there are optical fabrication processes that include generation, high-speed VIBE polishing, sub-aperture figure correction, surface smoothing and testing of freeform surfaces.
Optimax is a leading producer in freeform optics from glass, fused silica, crystals and ceramics for UV, Visible and IR applications using proprietary techniques for low scatter surfaces.
Freeforms are optical shapes or optical surfaces that are designed with little to no symmetry. Manufacturing a freeform is similar to that of a highly complex asphere; surface form and local slope change are all factors that influence the complexity of the shape and the manufacturing process used.
To learn more about freeforms we invite you to visit Optimax's Resources & Tools and read our Technical Papers on the topic.
Specifying a freeform begins by defining the surface. An optical fabricator needs a clear description of the desired final optic; equation, cloud of points or a 3D model.
Optimax utilizes deterministic CNC machine tools for predictable removal rates and adherence to tight tolerances. To control centration, precision tools maintain the optical axis.
Attribute |
Tolerancing Limit* |
Diameter (mm) | +0, -0.010 |
Center Thickness (mm) | ± 0.050 |
Irregularity – Interferometry (HeNe fringes) |
0.1** |
Irregularity – Profilometry (μm) | ±1.0 |
Wedge Lens – ETD (mm) |
TBD |
Surface Roughness (Å RMS) | 10 |
Based on Form Error Tolerance
Form Error > 2μm Lower Resolution Profilometry (2-D)1 |
||
---|---|---|
Attribute |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Diameter (mm) | 3 | 250 |
Local Radius (mm) | -8 (Concave) | ∞ |
Sag (mm) | 0 | 502 |
Departure (mm) | 0.01 | 20 |
Included Angle (°) | 0 | 120 |
Form Error 0.5 – 2μm Higher Resolution Profilometry (2-D)1 |
||
Attribute |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Diameter (mm)3 | 3 | 250 |
Local Radius (mm) | -12 (Concave) | ∞ |
Sag (mm) | 0 | 252 |
Departure (mm) | 0.01 | 20 |
Included Angle (°) | 0 | 150 |
Form Error < 0.5μm Interferometry with Stitching (3-D) |
||
Attribute |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Diameter (mm)3 | 3 | 250 |
Local Radius (mm) | -13 (Concave) | ∞ |
Sag (mm) | 0 | 252,4 |
Departure (mm) | 0.002 | 1 |
Included Angle (°) | 0 | 120+5 |
Attribute |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Diameter | 3mm | 500mm |
Wavelength | 193nm | 6000nm |
Use Environment | Vacuum | >95% RH |
Durability | Moderate abrasion | Severe abrasion |
Measurement | — | 68°, s, p, average polarization |
Laser Damage Threshold | — | 1064nm: >30J/cm2@10ns, >1MW/cm2CW |
Layers | 1 | 200 |
Above are manufacturing limits and tolerances specific to thin film coating. For more detailed information, please contact sales@optimaxsi.com.
Rod or Arbor |
||
---|---|---|
Attribute |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Length (mm) | 3 | 5001 |
Width (mm) Radius dependent | 2 | < 2x Radius |
Cylinder Radius (mm) – Convex Only | 2 | 150 |
X-Y |
||
Attribute | Minimum | Maximum |
Length (mm) | 3 | 300 |
Width (mm) | 2 | 300 |
Cylinder Radius (mm) | 10 | ∞ |
Concave sag to flat (mm) | 0.1002 | =Radius |
Attribute |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Diameter (mm) | 3 | 300 |
Thickness | 1 | 150 |
Aspect Ratio1 | 1 | 502 |
Based on Form Error Tolerance
Attribute |
Minimum |
Maximum |
Diameter (mm) | 3 | 400 |
Radius (mm) | ±1 | ∞2 |
Aspect Ratio (Diameter/Center Thickness) | <1:1 | 30:1 |
Included Angle (°) | 0 | 2103 |
Here are manufacturing limits and tolerances specific to optical aspheres, prisms, cylinders and spheres. For more detailed information on any attribute, please contact sales@optimaxsi.com.
To see more Common Freeforms use the navigate arrows
Optimax inspects 100% of all optics. Test data is provided with prototype orders.
Our metrology must match the sophistication of our manufacturing technology. Optimax offers state-of-the-art metrology, including 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.
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.
Optimax's R&D department is continuously looking for ways to improve our fabrication process and produce higher quality optics. Our current research projects are designed to meet future market needs.
For more information please see Optimax Innovation or contact sales@optimaxsi.com.