Rod lens
A Rod lens is a special type of cylinder lens, and is highly polished on the circumference and ground on both ends. Rod lenses perform in a manner analogous to a standard cylinder lens, and can be used in beam shaping and to focus collimated light into a line. Our rod lenses play a key part in many laser and imaging optical assemblies, and can be used for UV, visible and NIR applications.
Designed for use in a variety of laser and imaging systems, these components are available in a range of micro sizes for integration into a host of OEM applications. Custom sizes, variations in polishing/ ground surfaces and additional coatings are available upon request, please contact our Sales Department for details.
Diameter Tolerance |
±0.02 mm |
Length Tolerance |
±0.02 mm |
Surface Accuracy |
l/10 @ 633nm |
Focal length |
+/-1% |
Surface Quality |
20/10 or better |
Material |
BK7,UV Fused silica,sapphire,etc |
Clear Aperture |
>90% |
Ellipticity |
<0.005mm |
Coating |
Custom |
Bevel |
Protective bevel as needed |
Related Products
When the ends of rod lenses are polished they may be used as circular lenses, and will have the same optical properties as a long circular lens with a narrow diameter. These lenses have an important application in rigid endoscopes, medical instruments used to view inside the human body. Unlike a traditional microlens, a rod lens will self-align to the tube diameter. Their unique shape means they can also provide structural support to the endoscope tube. For endoscopy used precision cut lenses and exact surface curvature are essential.