Optical lenses in various materials, shapes & specifications

by Vianie Li & Cecile de Veyra

Optical lenses are widely used not only in optical instruments such as telescopes, microscopes and cameras spanning the medical, traffic, military, art and astronomy fields but also in LED lighting.

To meet requirements in these diverse applications, manufacturers in China offer a range of convex and concave lenses with emphasis on high precision and reliability. In mainstream supply are plano-convex, plano-concave, double or biconvex and double or biconcave types. These are made of optical glass, quartz or crystal and have a typical diameter of 3 to 500mm, diameter tolerance of ±0.005mm and center thickness tolerance of ±0.01mm.

Common products have a surface quality of 20/10-80/50 with more than 95 percent aperture and less than 1 lambda accuracy. These usually have an anti-reflective or custom coating, depending on the intended applications.

To reach a wider market in this customization-driven category, Chinese suppliers accept small orders, and ensure a quick response and a short lead time. They also accommodate preferences on the materials to be used, sourcing from foreign companies when required.

The supply and the cost of key manufacturing inputs, such as glass, quartz and crystal, did not change much in 2021, helping suppliers keep product prices steady and stay competitive. In the months ahead, material and labor costs are expected to stabilize and will ensure quotes remain at current levels.

Spherical, aspherical

China Star Optics Technology Co. Ltd’s Zinc Selenide Lens and Window comes in spherical and aspherical types and may have a customized mirror coating. It can also be made using other materials such as zinc sulfide, germanium, silicon and barium fluoride.

The minimum order is 100 pieces for delivery within 30 days.

Inquire now

Aspherical, 3 to 200mm diameter

The Aspherical Lens offered by China Star Optics Technology Co. Ltd has 3 to 200mm diameter, and can be made of optical glass, zinc selenide, zinc sulfide, germanium, silicon or barium fluoride.

An order of at least 100 pieces is required. Lead time is 30 days.

Inquire now

380 to 620nm, 700 to 1,050nm

Compass Optic Technology Co. Ltd offers the BDL-65008-02 quartz crystal optical lens with 380 to 620nm and 700 to 1,050nm wavelengths at more than 90 percent and less than 3 percent transmission rates, respectively. Custom coating and sizes are available.

The minimum order is 10 pieces. Delivery is within seven days.

Inquire now

380 to 620nm

Available in buyer-specified coatings and sizes, the BDL-650-07 optical lens from Compass Optic Technology Co. Ltd has 380 to 620nm transmission wavelength and 0.21, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 or 1.1mm thickness.

A minimum order of 100 pieces is required and has a seven-day lead time.

Inquire now

5 to 80mm diameter, custom radius

Made of optical glass, quartz or crystal, the K-Lens Cut-5304 optical lens from Nanyang Kingopt Optical Instrument Co. Ltd has 5 to 80mm diameter with ±0.005mm tolerance, ±0.01mm center thickness tolerance, custom radius, 20/10-80/50 surface quality and less than 1 lambda surface accuracy.

The 1,000-piece minimum order requirement has a lead time of 25 days.

Inquire now

20/10-80/50 surface quality

For optical instruments, the KOG-Cemented Lens from Nanyang Kingopt Optical Instrument Co. Ltd is available in optical glass, quartz and crystal variants. It has 0.5 to 350mm diameter, ±0.005mm diameter tolerance, ±0.01mm center thickness tolerance, 20/10-80/50 surface quality and less than 1 lambda surface accuracy.

The supplier requires a 1,000-piece minimum order and offers a 25-day lead time.

Inquire now