Custom Aspherical Glass Lenses
An aspherical glass lens uses a surface whose curvature changes from center to edge. The additional degrees of freedom can reduce spherical aberration, improve collimation or create a required illumination distribution with fewer optical elements than a comparable all-spherical system.
China Lampoptics develops molded aspheres for lighting and optical assemblies. The surface equation, sign convention, glass index, mechanical datum and clear aperture must be released together.
Aspherical Lens Forms
| Form | Description | Typical function |
|---|---|---|
| Plano-aspheric | One flat face and one aspheric face | LED collimation and compact focusing |
| Aspheric condenser | High-aperture positive lens | Light collection for stage and projection systems |
| Bi-aspheric | Two non-spherical optical surfaces | Compact multi-function optical correction |
| Flanged asphere | Optical body with an integrated mounting seat | Repeatable source-to-lens positioning |
| Freeform-aspheric hybrid | Rotationally asymmetric or locally optimized surface | Application-specific beam shaping |
Aspheric Surface Data
| Base radius | ____ mm |
|---|---|
| Conic constant | ____ |
| Polynomial coefficients | ____ |
| Coefficient convention and units | ____ |
| Surface sign convention | ____ |
| Optical origin and axis | ____ |
| Clear aperture | ____ mm |
| Excluded edge zone | ____ mm |
An asphere cannot be reproduced from a nominal focal length alone. The complete equation or verified point data are required, including the coefficient convention and coordinate origin.
Optical and Mechanical Specifications
| Glass grade / refractive index | ____ |
|---|---|
| Design wavelength | ____ nm |
| Surface-form error | ____ |
| Centration / wedge | ____ |
| Effective focal length | ____ mm |
| Outside diameter / seat | ____ mm |
| Center / edge thickness | ____ / ____ mm |
| Surface quality | ____ |
| Transmission / coating | ____ |
The optical axis must be related to the outside diameter, flange, notch or other mounting datum. This relationship controls performance after the lens is installed.
Precision Molding Capabilities
Lampoptics combines an optical-lens workshop with in-house mold development and controlled annealing. Precision molding is appropriate when the aspheric surface and its mounting geometry must be repeated in production.
Available asphere diameter, sag, glass grade, surface-form tolerance and measurement method are ____. Project-specific coating can be evaluated after molding.
Aspherical Glass Lens Processing
Aspheric Prescription Review
The sag equation, coefficients, clear aperture, reference axis and mechanical datums are confirmed.
Precision Aspheric Tooling
The non-spherical optical surface is produced in the mold with the required form and surface finish.
Glass Molding and Annealing
The aspheric profile is replicated under controlled temperature, pressure and cooling conditions.
Form and Optical Inspection
Surface form, centration, focal performance, dimensions and cosmetic quality are verified to the approved plan.
Applications
- LED collimation: compact collection and beam formation
- Automotive and motorcycle lighting: headlamp, fog-lamp and signal optics
- Stage and projection lighting: high-aperture condenser systems
- Sensors and instruments: compact focusing and aberration control
- Industrial illumination: efficient source collection in heat-exposed assemblies
Aspherical Glass Lens FAQs
How is an aspheric lens different from a spherical lens?
Its curvature changes according to a defined equation rather than remaining part of one sphere.
What design file is required?
Provide the full aspheric prescription or controlled point data plus the mechanical drawing and glass definition.
Can an asphere include a mounting flange?
Yes. A flange or seat can be molded with the optic when the datum relationship and mold release are feasible.
How is surface form measured?
The measurement method may use profilometry, interferometry or functional testing; Lampoptics equipment and limits are ____.
Can Lampoptics copy an existing asphere?
Reverse engineering is possible only when surface measurement is combined with focal or beam validation; sample comparison alone is not sufficient.
