Click Link for Detailed Specifications on the Substrate
These lenses are also available with a UV AR coating for the 245 - 400 nm range.
Zemax Files
Click on the red Document icon next to the item numbers below to access the Zemax file download. Our entire Zemax Catalog is also available.
Features
4 Different Diameters Available: 6 mm, 9 mm, 1/2", or 1"
Wavelength Range: 185 nm - 2.1 μm (uncoated)
Focal Lengths Available from -6.0 to -100.0 mm
Fabricated from UV Grade Fused Silica
Thorlabs' UV Grade Fused Silica Bi-Concave Lenses are available either uncoated or with a UV antireflection coating for the 245 - 400 nm range deposited on both surfaces. UV-grade fused silica offers high transmission in the deep UV and exhibits virtually no laser-induced fluorescence (as measured at 193 nm), making it an ideal choice for applications from the UV to the near IR. In addition, UV fused silica has better homogeneity and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than N-BK7.
Bi-concave lenses have negative focal lengths, making them useful for a wide range of applications. They are often used to increase the divergence of a converging beam. In optical systems, it is common for researchers to choose their optics carefully so that the aberrations introduced by the positive- and negative-focal-length lenses approximately cancel. Others use these lenses in pairs to increase the effective focal length of a converging lens.
When deciding between a plano-concave lens and a bi-concave lens, both of which cause the incident light to diverge, it is usually preferable to choose a bi-concave lens if the absolute conjugate ratio (object distance divided by image distance) is close to 1. When the desired absolute magnification is either less than 0.2 or greater than 5, the tendency is to choose a plano-concave lens instead.
Thorlabs offers bi-concave lenses in sizes ranging from Ø6 mm to Ø1". Each size is compatible with a multitude of Thorlabs lens mounts. Please see the Mounting Options tab for details.
Below is the transmission curve for a 10 mm thick uncoated sample of UV fused silica when the incident light is normal to the surface. Please note that this is the measured transmission, including surface reflections.
Self-Centering Mount for 60 mm Cage Systems, Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm) Optics
Mounting High-Curvature Optics
Thorlabs' retaining rings are used to secure unmounted optics within lens tubes or optic mounts. These rings are secured in position using a compatible spanner wrench. For flat or low-curvature optics, standard retaining rings manufactured from anodized aluminum are available from Ø5 mm to Ø4". For high-curvature optics, extra-thick retaining rings are available in Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" sizes.
Extra-thick retaining rings offer several features that aid in mounting high-curvature optics such as aspheric lenses, short-focal-length plano-convex lenses, and condenser lenses. As shown in the animation to the right, the guide flange of the spanner wrench will collide with the surface of high-curvature lenses when using a standard retaining ring, potentially scratching the optic. This contact also creates a gap between the spanner wrench and retaining ring, preventing the ring from tightening correctly. Extra-thick retaining rings provide the necessary clearance for the spanner wrench to secure the lens without coming into contact with the optic surface.
Posted Comments:
user
 (posted 2017-09-28 08:28:43.093)
Hello,
I want using this type of lenses in experiments where are involved femtosecond lasers. My question is: Which is the LIDT value in femtosecond regime for this lenses?
Thank you in advance!
tfrisch
 (posted 2017-10-02 07:10:13.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The damage mechanism for a fs source will be different for a fs pulse vs a ns or cw source (avalanche ionization vs dielectric breakdown vs thermal damage). I would not expect any of the listed specs to be accurate for a fs source. Please reach out to TechSupport@Thorlabs.com directly to discuss the specs of your source and we may be able to make a recommendation on suitable optics.
abanishev
 (posted 2017-02-27 13:30:02.643)
Good Day,
What type of fused silica substrate is used for lenses: LD4797 and LA4966?
What is the purity of this substrate?
Best,
Alexandr Banishev
IPG Photonics
jlow
 (posted 2017-03-02 10:38:46.0)
Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: The lenses are made from UV grade fused silica. We do not directly specify the purity of the glass; we specify the refractive index and abbe number of the glass instead. I will contact you directly to provide more information.
ledwardl
 (posted 2017-01-28 14:07:57.05)
Trying to make a fused silica barlow (2X or 3X magnification) for astronomical UV imaging. What would I need to house the LD4293 in so that it can fit the common 1.25" barrel size used for telescope accessories and draw tubes? Thanks.
tfrisch
 (posted 2017-02-16 02:34:52.0)
Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly about the 1.25" standard your application requires.