Cylindrical lenses are a type of optical lens that have a cylindrical shape and are used to correct or manipulate the shape of a light beam. Unlike spherical lenses, which have the same curvature in both the horizontal and vertical plane, cylindrical lenses have different curvatures in these two directions.

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Cylindrical lenses operate on the principle of refraction, where light is bent as it passes through the lens. The curvature of the lens surface causes the light to bend in a specific direction, causing the image to be distorted in one axis. This effect can be used to either stretch or compress the image in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the lens.

Applications of Cylindrical Lenses

Cylindrical lenses are widely used in a variety of applications, including:

Image projection systems

Image projection systems often require a high level of image quality, as well as accurate and uniform light distribution. Cylindrical lenses are commonly used in these systems to correct distortion in one axis and improve the overall quality of the projected image.

In an image projection system, light from a light source is passed through a cylindrical lens, which manipulates the light in a specific direction. The light is then projected onto a screen, where it forms a clear and sharp image. The cylindrical lens is used to stretch or compress the image in the direction perpendicular to its axis, correcting the distortion in one axis and producing a clearer, more uniform image.

For example, in overhead projectors, cylindrical lenses are used to correct the distortion that occurs when a light beam passes through a curved transparency. The cylindrical lens compensates for this distortion, ensuring that the projected image is uniform and free of artifacts.

Cylindrical lenses play a crucial role in image projection systems by providing a means of correcting distortion in one axis and improving the overall quality of the projected image. They are widely used in a range of applications, from overhead projectors to slide projectors, and provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for improving the quality of projected images.

Barcode scanning systems

Barcode scanning systems are widely used to capture and decode barcode information. Cylindrical lenses are often used in these systems to provide improved image quality and resolution, making it easier to accurately capture barcode information.

In a barcode scanning system, a cylindrical lens is placed in front of an imaging sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS sensor. The lens manipulates the light in a specific direction, correcting the distortion in one axis and improving the overall quality of the captured image. This allows the barcode scanning system to accurately capture and decode the barcode information, even if the barcode is distorted or angled.

For example, in a retail store, a barcode scanning system can use a cylindrical lens to scan barcodes on products for price and inventory purposes. The lens corrects any distortion in the barcode image, ensuring that the barcode information is accurately captured and decoded.

In another example, in a warehouse setting, a barcode scanning system with a cylindrical lens can be used to scan barcodes on packages and pallets. The lens corrects the distortion that may occur as the barcode passes through the scanning system, providing a clearer and more accurate representation of the barcode information.

Industrial inspection systems

Industrial inspection systems are used to inspect various components and products for defects, flaws, or other imperfections. Cylindrical lenses are often used in these systems to provide improved image quality and resolution, making it easier to detect and analyze defects.

In an industrial inspection system, a cylindrical lens is placed in front of an imaging sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS sensor. The lens manipulates the light in a specific direction, correcting the distortion in one axis and improving the overall quality of the captured image.

For example, in a metal rolling mill, cylindrical lenses can be used to inspect metal strips for cracks and other defects. The cylindrical lens is used to correct the distortion that occurs as the metal strip passes through the inspection system, providing a clearer and more accurate representation of the strip's surface.

In another example, cylindrical lenses can be used in a quality control system for plastic molding. The lens can correct the distortion that occurs as the molded parts pass through the inspection system, making it easier to detect and analyze surface defects, such as cracks, voids, and other imperfections.

Medical imaging systems

Medical imaging systems are used to visualize internal structures and organs in the body for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Cylindrical lenses are often used in these systems to improve image quality and resolution, making it easier to accurately diagnose and treat medical conditions.

In a medical imaging system, a cylindrical lens can be placed in front of an imaging sensor, such as a CCD or CMOS sensor. The lens manipulates the light in a specific direction, correcting the distortion in one axis and improving the overall quality of the captured image. This allows the medical imaging system to accurately capture and display the internal structures and organs being imaged.

For example, in endoscopy, cylindrical lenses can be used to provide a clearer and more detailed image of the digestive tract. The lens corrects any distortion that may occur as the endoscope moves through the digestive tract, providing a clearer and more accurate representation of the internal structures and organs.

In another example, in mammography, cylindrical lenses can be used to improve the quality and resolution of images of the breast. The lens corrects any distortion that may occur as the imaging sensor captures the image of the breast, providing a clearer and more accurate representation of the internal structures and tissues.

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Types of Cylindrical Lenses

There are two main types of cylindrical lenses: positive (convex) cylindrical lenses and negative (concave) cylindrical lenses.

Positive (Convex) Cylindrical Lenses

Positive cylindrical lenses have a curved surface that bulges outward. They are used to magnify an object in one axis while having little effect on the other axis. Positive cylindrical lenses are commonly used in applications where a line of light needs to be stretched or expanded in one direction, such as barcode scanning systems and optical fibers.

Negative (Concave) Cylindrical Lenses

Negative cylindrical lenses have a curved surface that curves inward. They are used to reduce the size of an object in one axis while having little effect on the other axis. Negative cylindrical lenses are commonly used in applications where a line of light needs to be compressed or reduced in one direction, such as industrial inspection systems and laser scanning systems.

Although not as widely known as convex or concave lenses, cylindrical lenses play an important role across numerous applications thanks to their distinct capabilities. This article explores the fundamentals of cylindrical lenses, shedding light on their working principles and use cases.

Cylinder Lenses

Cylindrical lenses, as the name implies, have a cylindrical shape in at least one section. Unlike spherical lenses, which evenly focus or disperse light in all directions, cylindrical lenses are designed to direct light in just one dimension. This distinctive feature makes them invaluable for applications where other lenses simply cannot deliver the required precision.

Understanding How Cylindrical Lenses Work

The unique shape of a cylindrical lens allows it to focus light from sources like lasers into a straight line. This capability to control light in a single dimension, either compressing or expanding it, makes cylindrical lenses incredibly versatile. Their design enables precise bending and focusing of light to meet the demands of specific applications.

Investigating Types of Cylindrical Lenses

• Singlet, Doublet, and Triplet: Cylindrical lenses with one, two, or three lens parts.
• Plano-Convex and Plano-Concave Lenses: With flat faces and convex or concave cylindrical surfaces.
• Sphero-Cylindrical Lens: Merging a sphere-like surface with a cylindrical one.
• Biconvex or Biconcave Lens: Where both sides are either concave or convex.
• Achromatic Cylinder Lens: Built to diminish chromatic aberration, concentrating light with several colors in a single direction.

Applications of Cylindrical Lenses

• Correcting Astigmatism: Aligning with the direction of astigmatism to concentrate light in a single plane and rectify distorted or blurred images.
• Laser Beam Shape Correction: Reshaping laser beams, particularly in semiconductor lasers, for enhanced quality and circular profiles.
• Optical Spectroscopy: Regulating spatial and spectral characteristics of light in spectroscopy use cases, like monochromators.
• Laser Line Scanning: Shaping laser beams into straight lines for use cases like 3D metrology and quality control.
• Microscopy: Improving confocal microscopy by shaping laser beams, rectifying aberrations, and enhancing signal-to-noise ratios in fluorescence microscopy.

Figure 1. Typically, laser diodes emit light with an elliptical profile that requires correction. Image Credit: Shanghai Optics

Materials Used to Build Cylindrical Lenses

Cylindrical lenses are available in different materials, such as fused silica (JGS1, Corning , JGS2), optical glass (BK7, B270, H-K9L from Ohara, Schott, CDGM, or Corning), IR materials (MgF2, Ge, CaF2, Si), and other options such as optical plastics and sapphire.

Factory Standard

• Substrate Material: Schott, Ohara, CDGM, Corning Fused Silica and JGS1, JGS2
• Shape: P-Concave, P-Convex or Aspheric
• Focal length: +/-1 %
• Surface Quality: 20-10 (after coating)
• Surface figure: l/4 @ 633 nm
• Angle: +/-5&#;
• Clear Aperture: >90 % of central dimension

 Source: Shanghai Optics

Specifications Factory Standards Manufacturing Limit Dimension Tolerance +/-0.03 mm +/-0.01 mm Center Thickness Tolerance +/-0.03 mm +/-0.02 mm Radius Tolerance +/-0.3 % +/-0.1 % Surface Quality(S/D) 40-20 10-5 Irregularity(Plano Surface) 1/8Lambda < 1/15Lambda Irregularity(Cylindrical Surface) 1/4Lambda < 1/8Lambda Centration(arc min) 3&#; 1&#;

 

Industrial Uses of Cylindrical Lenses

Cylindrical lenses are widely used across various industries, including:

• Industrial Inspection: Integral to laser scanning systems, alignment tools, and laser processing equipment.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Essential for circularizing elliptical beams in wafer inspection tools and flat-panel display measurement systems.
• Entertainment: Used in digital cinema cameras and projectors to compress or stretch images for optimal visual quality.
• Life Sciences and Medical Fields: Vital in life science imaging and medical testing instruments.

These specialized optical tools play a crucial role in directing light in a single dimension, with applications ranging from correcting astigmatism in ophthalmology to shaping laser beams for enhanced performance. The variety of cylindrical lenses available highlights their importance in advancing tools and technologies across multiple fields.

Shanghai Optics specializes in delivering high-quality, custom-built cylinder lenses.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Shanghai Optics.

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