"; _cf_contextpath=""; _cf_ajaxscriptsrc="/cfthorscripts/ajax"; _cf_jsonprefix='//'; _cf_websocket_port=8578; _cf_flash_policy_port=1244; _cf_clientid='B3AEEFB9B445C5631A702458F7C3B374';/* ]]> */
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Scan Lenses for Laser Scanning Microscopy![]()
CLS-SL 400 to 750 nm LSM03-VIS 400 to 700 nm LSM02 1250 to 1380 nm SL50-3P 800 to 1800 nm LSM54-850 750 to 950 nm Related Items ![]() Please Wait
Features
Thorlabs' telecentric scan lenses are ideal for use in laser scanning imaging systems and applications such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), confocal laser scanning microscopy, and multiphoton imaging. Telecentric scan lenses produce a flat image plane and a spot size that suffers minimal distortion as the angle of the incident beam with respect to the optical axis of the lens is varied; varying the angle of incidence causes the focal spot to scan over the field of view in the image plane. A low f-theta distortion creates geometrically correct scanned images that do not require extensive post-image processing. A telecentric scan lens path can also maximize the scattered or emitted light that is captured from the sample (the signal) by the detection system. In addition, the spot size in the image plane is nearly constant over the entire field of view (see Specs tab), resulting in image resolution that varies minimally over the scanned area of the sample. These scan lenses have center wavelengths that extend from the visible to the near-infrared, and they exhibit a range of effective focal lengths, working distances, and scanning distances (see below and the Specs tab for more information). A selection of these lenses offers fields of view equal to or greater than 18 x 18 mm2, and all possess anti-reflection (AR) coatings designed to minimize back reflections from broadband light sources. Many confocal imaging systems are designed to operate at visible wavelengths, and the CLS-SL and SL50-CLS2 offer two options for visible confocal laser scanning. The wide wavelength range of the SL50-CLS2 (450 - 1100 nm) makes this lens a good choice for applications involving both multiphoton microscopy and visible photoactivation or targeting. We also offer the SL50-2P2 for two photon microscopy (680 - 1300 nm) as well as the SL50-3P for three-photon microscopy (800 - 1800 nm). Systems operating in the near-infrared include those designed for confocal, multiphoton, and OCT applications. While the LSM family of lenses listed on this page are optimized for OCT applications, these lenses are also used in confocal, multiphoton and other laser scanning imaging systems. The large 6 mm entrance pupils and ±14° scan angles (single-axis scan) of the LSM54-850, LSM54-1050, and LSM54-1310 scan lenses make them ideal for use with larger galvo mirrors that produce more highly deflected beams. The LSM54-850, LSM54-1050, and LSM54-1310 scan lenses have also been optimized to provide a flat field of view, and they are corrected for chromatic aberrations across their wide 200 nm band of operating wavelengths. Thorlabs' scan lenses and tube lenses are individually corrected for aberrations, and any of these scan lenses may be paired with a tube lens that is also corrected for aberrations. Click on the links in the table to the right to jump to lenses of interest, or scroll down the page. SpecificationsThe complete specifications available for each scan lens are provided in the tables below, and definitions of the various parameters follow the tables. Click the blue icons, Lenses with Wavelength Ranges Starting Between 400 and 450 nmLenses with Wavelength Ranges Starting Between 680 and 810 nmLenses with Wavelength Ranges Starting Between 800 and 1250 nmDefinitions of Key Parameters![]() Scanning Distance (SD): The SD is the distance between the aperture plane, where the EP lies, and the back mounting plane of the objective, which is defined as the base of the mounting threads. For these lenses, the mounting plane is the shoulder adjacent to the threads, or thread mounting plane, of the lens. When two galvo mirrors are used, the aperture plane occurs midway between the two mirrors. When one galvo mirror is used, the pivot point of the single mirror coincides with the aperture plane. See the Application Info tab for more details. Scan Angle (SA): After being routed from the galvo mirror(s) the laser beam is incident on the lens at an angle. This angle, measured with respect to the optical axis of the lens, is the scan angle. When listed in the specification table, it indicates the range of maximum allowed scan angles. Parfocal Distance (PD): The PD is the distance from the scan lens mounting plane to the front focal plane of the scan lens. Working Distance (WD or LWD): The distance between the tip of the scan lens housing and the front focal plane of the scan lens is defined as the WD. Field of View (FOV): The FOV is the maximum size of the area on the sample that can be imaged with a resolution equal to or better than the stated resolution of the scan lenses. This assumes the proper utilization of the scan lenses in the optical system. During operation, the spot positions scan through the FOV. Depth of View (DOV): The DOV parameter corresponds to the distance between the parallel planes on either side of the front focal plane where the beam spot diameter is √2 greater than it is at the front focal plane. This parameter is of interest when tube lenses are not used in the optical system design and the front focal place is also the sample plane, as is generally the case for OCT. When a tube lens is paired the scan lens, the image plane is located between the scan and the tube lens; the depth of field at the sample is then controlled by the microscope objective.
Spot Size DataSpot sizes formed in the image plane are typically of more interest to OCT system design than to other laser scanning microscopy system designs. This is because in most OCT systems the image plane is also the sample plane. In other laser scanning applications, scan lenses are routinely paired with tube lenses and the image plane of the scan lens does not coincide with the sample plane. Spot size plots for these lenses may be viewed by clicking on the blue icons, The two-axis scan gives detailed information about the variation in spot size and spot position over an entire two-dimensional range of scan angles; spot sizes over entire image plane are plotted. These data are calculated for a single wavelength (the center wavelength of the lens) and presented as a 3D plot, with the spot size data plotted on the vertical axis. The 2D single-axis scan graph contains three curves corresponding to: the center wavelength, the minimum specified wavelength, and the maximum specified wavelength. Together they illustrate the dependence of spot size on wavelength. The single-axis scan graphs plot spot size and spot position over a one-dimensional range of scan angles; the spot positions scan a line through the image plane. Because the aperture plane is not located in the same place for the Two-Axis and Single-Axis Scan plots, the data in the Single-Axis plot is not an exact cross section of the Two-Axis Scan plot data. The single-axis scan data were simulated using a system focused at the center wavelength of the lens; the system was not individually focused at each of the three wavelengths. Scan lenses are used in a variety of laser imaging systems, including confocal laser scanning microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and multiphoton imaging systems. In these applications, a laser beam incident on the back aperture (entrance pupil) of the lens is scanned through a range of angles. This translates the position of the spot formed in the image plane across the lens' field of view. In the case of non-telecentric lenses, this approach to scanning the focal spot through the image plane would introduce severe aberrations that would significantly degrade the quality of the resulting image. Telecentric scan lenses are designed to create a uniform spot size in the image plane at every scan position, which allows a high-quality image of the sample to be formed. Plots showing the spot size and scan position as a function of scan angle are included in the Specs tab. In general, laser scanning microscopy systems pair a scan lens with a tube lens to create an infinity-corrected optical system. However, most OCT systems are designed to use the scan lens without a tube lens. The CLS-SL, SL50-CLS2, SL50-2P2, and SL50-3P lenses were optimized for use in Thorlabs' confocal laser scanning and multiphoton microscopy systems, and the LSM family of lenses were optimized to be used in OCT imaging systems. A brief discussion of scanning systems implemented with and without tube lenses follows. ![]() Click to Enlarge The tube and scan lens schematic above shows the lens spacing for the SL50-CLS2 scan lens used with a 200 mm focal length telecentric tube lens. Note that for the SL50-CLS2, the entrance pupil at the scan plane is a maximum of Ø4 mm. Scan Lenses Implemented in General Laser Scanning Microscopy ApplicationsThe image to the right shows the proper spacing of the scan and tube lenses for laser scanning microscopy. The scanning mirror, which is located at the left of the image at the scan plane, directs the laser beam through the scan lens. The angle at which the laser beam is incident on the scan lens determines the position of the focal spot in the intermediate image plane, which is located between the scan lens and the TTL200MP tube lens. The tube lens is positioned so that it collects and collimates the light (the focus is at infinity). The collimated light is collected by the objective, which brings it to a focus on the sample plane. Light scattered or emitted from the sample plane is collected by the objective and directed to a detector. The image below and to the left shows a CLS-SL scan lens paired with a tube lens; clicking on the image shows the correct spacing for using the CLS-SL with the ITL200 tube lens. An attractive feature of this optical system design is the collimated light that is produced as a result of pairing the scan lens with the tube lens. With the light from the tube lens focusing at infinity, it is possible to move the position of the objective with respect to the tube lens without impacting the image quality at the sample plane. This imparts considerable flexibility to the design of the optical system. If no tube lens were used, the scan lens would also function as the objective and the intermediate image plane would become the sample plane. It would not be possible to move the image plane much with respect to the scan lens while maintaining image quality. The image below and to the right shows the relationship between the scan distance and the objective distance. In a perfect 4f optical system (using the CLS-SL as an example), d1 = 52 mm (minimum scan distance) and d2 = f2. However, in many practical cases the system is slightly deviated from this perfect alignment. For instance, in many commercial microscopes, the objective distance (d2) is not the same as the focal length (f2), so there may be a need to adjust distances. The figure below and to the right shows the scan and objective distance moved by some small distance δ1 and δ2, respectively. The relationship between these values is δd1 = -δd2*(f1/f2)2. ![]() Click for Details CLS-SL Tube Lens integration with the ITL200 and an objective in a laser scanning system. Scan Lenses Implemented in OCTWhen designing an imaging system that uses an LSM scan lens in an OCT configuration, it is important to accommodate the design wavelength, parfocal distance, scanning distance, entrance pupil, and scan angle specifications in order to maximize the image quality (see the Specs tab for scan lens specifications and definitions). In general, the larger the input beam diameter, the smaller the focused spot size. However, due to the effects of vignetting and/or increased aberrations, the range of scan angles decreases as the diameter of the beam increases. Beams smaller than the entrance pupil specification will result in spot sizes larger than those specified in the Specs tab, and beams with larger diameters will be clipped. For imaging systems with a single galvo mirror the center of the scan lens' entrance pupil is coincident with the pivot point of the galvo mirror. When a single galvo mirror is used, the scanning distance is measured from the mounting surface of the lens to the pivot point of the mirror. This is shown in the image at bottom-left. ![]() When one galvo mirror is used, the entrance pupil is located at the pivot point of the mirror. ![]() When two galvo mirrors are used, the entrance pupil is located between the mirrors.
![]()
While this lens design is optimized for OCT imaging, it may also be used in a variety of laser scanning microscopy applications. The LSM03-VIS scan lens is designed and AR coated for imaging over the visible wavelength range (400 to 700 nm). Key specifications for this lens are listed to the right; see the Specs tab for complete specifications. The external M25 x 0.75 threading can be adapted to Thorlabs' standard SM1 (1.035"-40) threading by using an SM1A12 adapter. An RMSA2 adapter allows the scan lens to be used with RMS-threaded (0.800"-36) components. For OCT imaging systems that utilize this scan lens as a primary objective element, we offer the LSM03DC-VIS dispersion compensator. ![]()
The CLS-SL scan lens is designed and AR coated for point-by-point laser scanning imaging over the visible wavelength range (400 to 750 nm). This scan lens, originally designed for Thorlabs' Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Systems, can be easily integrated into customer-designed laser scanning systems using the external SM2 (2.035"-40) threads on both ends. We recommend pairing this scan lens with our ITL200 tube lens and one of our objectives. Please note that even though the CLS-SL has a symmetric housing, it is not bi-directional. When the housing's engraving is right-side-up, the light should enter the lens from the top. For additional specifications, please see the Specs tab. ![]()
The SL50-CLS2 scan lens is designed and AR coated for point-by-point laser scanning imaging over the visible and NIR wavelength ranges (450 - 1100 nm). This broad wavelength range enables applications involving both multiphoton microscopy and visible photoactivation or targeting. This scan lens can easily be integrated into customer-designed systems using the external SM30 mounting threads on one end. The SM2A11 internal SM30 to external SM2 (2.035"-40) adapter is available for adapting this lens to our SM2 lens tubes. This lens is designed to be telecentric when paired with a TTL200MP tube lens and one of our objectives, as shown in the diagram on the Application Info tab. The housing is engraved with an arrow next to the text "EP" (Entrance Pupil) indicating the end of the housing that should face the scanning system. ![]()
The SL50-2P2 scan lens is designed and AR coated for point-by-point laser scanning imaging over the NIR wavelength range (680 - 1300 nm). This scan lens is used in our Bergamo® Multiphoton Imaging Microscope and can easily be integrated into customer-designed systems using the external SM30 mounting threads on one end. The SM2A11 internal SM30 to external SM2 (2.035"-40) adapter is available for adapting this lens to our SM2 lens tubes. This lens is designed to be telecentric when paired with a TTL200MP tube lens and one of our objectives, as shown in the diagram on the Application Info tab. The housing is engraved with an arrow next to the text "EP" (Entrance Pupil) indicating the end of the housing that should face the scanning system. ![]()
While the LSM54-850 lens is optimized for OCT imaging, it may also be used in a variety of laser scanning microscopy applications. Compared with many of our other LSM scan lenses, the LSM54 lenses, with their larger entrance pupils and range of scan angles, offer better compatibility with galvo mirrors that are larger and produce more highly deflected beams. Other features made possible through optimized optical design and an increased number of refractive elements include improved chromatic correction and the ability to operate over a wide spectral range. For systems operating in the 950 to 1150 nm or 1200 to 1400 nm wavelength ranges, the LSM54-1050 or LSM54-1310 lenses, respectively, provide similar performance. The table at right includes key specifications for the LSM54-850 lens, including a representative plot showing the small spot size and the spot position in the image plane as a function of all scanned angles at a wavelength of 850 nm. Click on the blue icons, The external M25 x 0.75 threading can be adapted to Thorlabs' standard SM1 (1.035"-40) threading by using an SM1A12 adapter. An RMSA2 adapter allows the scan lens to be used with RMS-threaded (0.800"-36) components. For OCT imaging systems that utilize this scan lens as a primary objective element, we offer the LSM54DC1 dispersion compensator. ![]()
The SL50-3P scan lens is designed and AR coated for point-by-point laser scanning imaging over the NIR wavelength range (800 - 1800 nm). This scan lens is used in our Bergamo® Multiphoton Imaging Microscope and can easily be integrated into customer-designed systems using the external SM30 mounting threads on one end. The SM2A11 internal SM30 to external SM2 (2.035"-40) adapter is available for adapting this lens to our SM2 lens tubes. The Application Info tab provides details on pairing scan lenses and tube lenses. The housing is engraved with an arrow next to the text "EP" (Entrance Pupil) indicating the end of the housing that should face the scanning system. ![]()
These lenses have been optimized for OCT imaging, but they may also be used in a variety of laser scanning microscopy applications. The performance of these lenses has been optimized for wavelength bands around 850 and 1050 nm, two popular wavelengths for OCT. For additional specifications, please see the Specs tab. The external M25 x 0.75 threading can be adapted to Thorlabs' standard SM1 (1.035"-40) threading by using an SM1A12 adapter. An RMSA2 adapter allows the scan lens to be used with RMS-threaded (0.800"-36) components. For OCT imaging systems that utilize this scan lens as a primary objective element, we offer matched dispersion dispersion compensators for each scan lens; see the table to the right. Note: The Zemax files for LSM0x and LSM0x-BB lenses are identical because they do not include coating information. Therefore, the files are the same regardless of the -BB suffix at the end of the item #. ![]()
While the LSM54-1050 lens is optimized for OCT imaging, it may also be used in a variety of laser scanning microscopy applications. Compared with many of our other LSM scan lenses, the LSM54 lenses, with their larger entrance pupils and range of scan angles, offer better compatibility with galvo mirrors that are larger and produce more highly deflected beams. Other features made possible through optimized optical design and an increased number of refractive elements include improved chromatic correction and the ability to operate over a wide spectral range. For systems operating in the 750 to 850 nm or 1200 to 1400 nm wavelength ranges, the LSM54-850 or LSM54-1310 lenses, respectively, provide similar performance. The external M25 × 0.75 threading can be adapted to Thorlabs' standard SM1 (1.035"-40) threading by using an SM1A12 adapter. An RMSA2 adapter allows the scan lens to be used with RMS-threaded (0.800"-36) components. For OCT imaging systems that utilize this scan lens as a primary objective element, we offer the LSM54DC2 dispersion compensator. ![]()
While the LSM54-1310 lens is optimized for OCT imaging, it may also be used in a variety of laser scanning microscopy applications. Compared with many of our other LSM scan lenses, the LSM54 lenses, with their larger entrance pupils and range of scan angles, offer better compatibility with galvo mirrors that are larger and produce more highly deflected beams. Other features made possible through optimized optical design and an increased number of refractive elements include improved chromatic correction and the ability to operate over a wide spectral range. For systems operating in the 750 to 850 nm or 950 to 1150 nm wavelength ranges, the LSM54-850 or LSM54-1050 lenses, respectively, provide similar performance. The external M25 × 0.75 threading can be adapted to Thorlabs' standard SM1 (1.035"-40) threading by using an SM1A12 adapter. An RMSA2 adapter allows the scan lens to be used with RMS-threaded (0.800"-36) components. For OCT imaging systems that utilize this scan lens as a primary objective element, we offer the LSM54DC3 dispersion compensator. ![]()
While these lenses are optimized for OCT imaging, they may also be used in a variety of laser scanning microscopy applications. The LSM02, LSM03, LSM04, and LSM05 scan lenses are designed and have AR coatings for imaging centered around 1315 nm in the near-infrared. Representative plots of the spot size along the sagittal and tangential scan directions can be seen by clicking on the blue icons, The external M25 × 0.75 threading can be adapted to Thorlabs' standard SM1 (1.035"-40) threading by using an SM1A12 adapter. An RMSA2 adapter allows the scan lens to be used with RMS-threaded (0.800"-36) components. For OCT imaging systems that utilize this scan lens as a primary objective element, we offer matched dispersion dispersion compensators for each scan lens; see the table to the right. ![]()
The GAS012 mounting bracket allows for the integration of our LSM05 Telecentric Scan Lens with our GVS012 or GVS012/M galvanometer mirror pairs. It also allows the complete assembly to be integrated with optical table or breadboard-based optomechanical setups. To use the GAS012 mounting bracket, the GAS0123 thread adapter (also sold below) must also be purchased. This places the lens at the recommended distance from the second galvo mirror. The input light port is a plate with SM1 (1.035"-40) threading for Ø1" lens tube compatibility and four Ø6 mm cage rod holes for 30 mm cage system integration. The GAS012 bracket has a bottom mounting surface with eight #8 (M4) and nine 1/4" (M6) through holes, spaced at 12.6 mm (0.496") and 25.2 mm (0.99"), respectively, for compatibility with both imperial and metric breadboards and optical tables. When mounted, the GVS012(/M) galvo mirror pair does not sit directly on this surface, allowing all of the through holes to be used for table or breadboard mounting. ![]() ![]() Click for Details GCM102(/M) Mechanical Drawing ![]() Click to Enlarge Beam Path Shown Through the Input Port, Reflecting off Both Galvo Mirrors, and then Exiting Through the SM2-Threaded Output Port
Thorlabs' GCM102(/M) is designed to securely mount any dual-axis, small beam diameter galvo mirror system. Once installed in the mount, the galvo system can be attached to a post, 30 mm cage system, or 66 mm optical rail carriage, as shown in the images below. The mount features an internally SM2-threaded (2.035"-40) output port that, when used with the proper adapter, allows any of our scan lenses to be attached at the proper scan distance from the galvo mirrors; see the compatibility table below for more details. The input port is both internally SM05- (0.535"-40) and SM1-threaded (1.035"-40) for direct compatibility with Ø1/2" and Ø1" lens tubes. Additionally, four 4-40 tapped holes centered around the input port provide compatibility with 30 mm cage systems. When each port is used in combination with our lens tubes, port plugs, and/or scan lenses, the system will be light tight. The input and output ports are centered around the X- and Y-axis galvo mirrors, respectively; please note that they are in different planes. The bottom of the mount includes two 1/4"-20 (M6), three 8-32 (M4), and two 4-40 (M3) tapped mounting holes. Each mounting hole is aligned for compatibility with our C1511 (C1511/M) and C1545 (C1545/M) post clamp adapters; Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø1.5" mounting posts; and XT66P2 (XT66P2/M) and XT66RC rail carriages, as shown in the images below. Please see section 3.3 of the manual for more details about the various mounting options available. The X- and Y-axis galvo mirrors are mounted using the two through holes in the side and rear of the unit. A flexure clamp that is actuated using the included 5/64" (3 mm) hex key secures each galvo mirror in place. An SM05-threaded viewing port is provided above the mirrors to assist in installation, while two 1/4"-20 (M6) through tapped holes provide access to each flexure clamp. The SM05 port and 1/4"-20 (M6) through tapped holes, which are located on the top of the GCM102, are blocked using an SM05PL plug or a 1/4"-20 (M6) setscrew, respectively, so that the system can remain light tight. For step-by-step instruction on how to install the galvo mirror please see section 3.1 of the manual. ![]() Click to Enlarge GCM102 with Attached LSM02 Mounted on a 66 mm Rail ![]() Click to Enlarge GCM102 with Attached CLS-SL Mounted on a Ø1.5" Post
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|