Cylindrical lenses are utilized for astigmatism correction in the eye and rangefinders, inducing astigmatism by elongating a point of light into a line. They find extensive application in barcode scanning, projection optics systems, laser measurement systems, and holography. Ost Photonics offers cylindrical lenses in plano-concave or plano-convex configurations.
LENSES | MATERIALS | ILLUSTRATION | PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS |
CYLINDRICAL LENS | BK7/ Fused Silica/CaF2 /other optical glass |
| Used to provide focusing power in one section only. For illumination or detection of light from line sources. Also used for the anamorphic compression of beams and images. |
What Is a Cylindrical Lens Used For?
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Plano-Concave Cylindrical Lens | Plano-Convex Cylindrical Lens |
Material | Schott N-BK7, CDGM H-K9L, Fused silica, CaF2, Sapphire | |
Design wavelength | 546.07nm | |
Design index (bk7) | 1.51680 for BK7, 1.45846 for Fused Silica | |
Diameter tolerance | +0.0, 0.15mm | +0.0, 0.05mm |
Paraxial focal length | ±2% | ±0.5% |
Centration | ||
Clear aperture | 80% | 90% |
Surface quality | 60-40 scratch and dig | 10-5 Scratch and dig |
Surface irregularity | ||
Protective bevel | 0.25 + 0.25, -0.0mm | 0.2 ± 0.1mm |
Coating | Uncoating, AR or Single layer MgF2 coating upon request | |
Cylindrical lenses are specialized optical components used primarily to correct astigmatism, a common refractive error in the eye. Unlike spherical lenses, which have the same curvature in all directions, cylindrical lenses have curvature in only one direction. This unique property allows them to focus light into a line rather than a point, making them ideal for applications requiring precise control over light direction and focus. OST Photonics, a leader in cylindrical optics, offers high-quality cylindrical lenses designed to meet various optical needs.
In the field of optometry, cylindrical lenses are crucial for subjective refraction tests. A cross cylinder, which combines two cylindrical lenses with equal strength but opposite power, is often used to diagnose astigmatism. This tool helps in assessing both the strength and axis of the astigmatic power, ensuring accurate prescriptions for corrective eyewear. Beyond medical applications, cylindrical lens optics are also employed in laser systems, imaging, and optical data storage, showcasing their versatility and importance in modern technology.
