Meniscus Lenses Ideal For Infrared Applications

High resolution lenses for machine vision — standard and custom lens design

Meniscus Lenses Ideal For Infrared Applications

High Resolution Lenses for machine vision, instrumentation, inspection and vibration-sensitive applications. Standard and custom hi-res lens assemblies.

Meniscus lenses are typically not found in off-the-shelf aftermarket shops. These lenses are used to focus on small size samples or in collimation applications. In many instances plano convex lenses can fit the bill, but there are times when a meniscus lens is a superior performing lens even though it costs more than a traditional lens.

Because of the spherical nature of lenses, in general, there are aberrations that cause parallel rays at varying distances from the optic axis to not converge at the desired, or even the same point. In many cases these aberrations can be addressed through the use of infrared systems. The use of infrared systems to correct for the elements that cause the aberrations are more costly than using visible materials.

It’s been found that meniscus lenses provide an increased performance level in visible light and that there is not typically enough value gained by adding in the increased manufacturing costs to incorporate IR systems.

The meniscus lens may not be the best performer for all applications, but in some situations they provide cost savings and boost performance in infrared applications that include thermal imaging and spectroscopy. As with all technologies, the applications that the lens will be ultimately used for will determine whether the meniscus lens is worth the investment.

Universe Optics manufactures and designs optical and infrared lenses for industrial, medical, high tech and electronic applications.