Products Home / Optical Elements / Optical Lenses / Spherical Singlet Lenses / Bi-Concave Spherical Lenses / Calcium Fluoride Bi-Concave LensesCalcium Fluoride Bi-Concave Lenses
- Lenses Offered Uncoated or with an AR Coating Optimized
for the 3 - 5 µm Range - Choose from Ø1/2" or Ø1"
- Ideal for use with Excimer Lasers
LD5138
(Ø1")
LD5451-E
(Ø1/2")
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| Common Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Substrate Material | Vacuum-Grade Calcium Fluoridea |
| Wavelength Range | 0.18 - 8.0 μm |
| Diameters Available | 1/2" or 1" |
| Diameter Tolerance | +0.00/-0.10 mm |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Focal Length Tolerance | ±1% |
| Surface Quality | 40-20 (Scratch-Dig) |
| Spherical Surface Powerb | 3λ/2 |
| Spherical Surface Irregularity (Peak to Valley) |
λ/2 |
| Centration | ≤3 arcmin |
| Clear Aperture | >90% of Diameter |
| Design Wavelength | 588 nm |
Features
- Vacuum-Grade Calcium Fluoride Substrate
- Ø1/2" and Ø1" Versions Available
- Available Uncoated or with a Broadband AR Coating for the 3 - 5 μm Range*
- Focal Lengths from -15.0 mm to -50.0 mm
Thorlabs' Ø1/2" and Ø1" Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Bi-Concave Lenses, which offer high transmission from 0.18 µm to 8.0 μm, are available uncoated or with a broadband AR coating optimized for the 3 µm to 5 μm* spectral range deposited on both surfaces. This coating greatly reduces the surface reflectance of the substrate, yielding an average transmission in excess of 96.8% over the entire AR coating range. See the Graphs tab for detailed information.
CaF2 is commonly used for applications requiring high transmission in the infrared and ultraviolet spectral ranges. Its extremely high laser damage threshold makes it useful for use with excimer lasers. The material exhibits a low refractive index, varying from 1.35 to 1.51 within its usage range of 180 nm to 8.0 μm. Calcium fluoride is also fairly chemically inert and offers superior hardness compared to its barium fluoride, magnesium fluoride, and lithium fluoride cousins.
Bi-concave lenses have negative focal lengths, making them useful for a wide range of applications.They are often used to increase the divergance 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 preferrable 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.
*The LD5451-E lens features an enhanced AR coating for the 2 µm to 5 µm range. See the tables below for individual lens specifications.
 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. |
| Selection Guide |
|---|
| Calcium Fluoride Lenses |
| Other MIR Lenses |
| Other Spherical Singlets |
3 - 5 µm AR Coating Graphs
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for an Excel File with Plot Data
Shown above is a graph of the measured percent reflectance of the AR coating as a function of wavelength. The average reflectance in the 3 - 5 μm range is <2.0%. The blue shading indicates the region for which the AR coating is optimized. Performance outside of the specified range is not guaranteed and varies from lot to lot.
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for an Excel File with Plot Data
Shown above is a graph of the theoretical transmission of an AR-coated calcium fluoride plano-convex lens. The blue shaded region denotes the 3 - 5 μm spectral range where the AR coating is optimized. For this wavelength range, the measured transmission is in excess of 95%. Performance outside of the specified range is not guaranteed and varies from lot to lot.
Enhanced AR Coating for 2 - 5 µm
CaF2 Transmission
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for an Excel File with Plot Data
Shown above is a graph of the measured percent reflectance of the enhanced AR coating as a function of wavelength. The average reflectance in the 2 - 5 μm range is <1.25%. The blue shading indicates the region for which the AR coating is optmized. Performance outside of the specified range is not guaranteed and varies from lot to lot. The excel file above provides the coating curve data over an extended wavelength range.
Click to Enlarge
Click Here for an Excel File with Plot Data
Shown above is a graph of the measured transmission of an uncoated, 5 mm thick sample of CaF2.
Total Transmission of Optic (CaF2 Substrate, Uncoated)
The table below gives the approximate theoretical transmission of these uncoated optics for a few select wavelengths in the 0.18 - 8.0 μm range. To see an excel file that lists all measured transmission values for this wavelength range, please click here.
| Wavelength (μm) | Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 0.2 | 0.910 |
| 0.4 | 0.929 |
| 0.6 | 0.935 |
| 0.8 | 0.937 |
| 1.0 | 0.938 |
| 1.2 | 0.938 |
| 1.4 | 0.938 |
| 1.6 | 0.938 |
| 1.8 | 0.939 |
| 2.0 | 0.939 |
| Wavelength (μm) |
Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 2.2 | 0.939 |
| 2.4 | 0.939 |
| 2.6 | 0.940 |
| 2.8 | 0.940 |
| 3.0 | 0.940 |
| 3.2 | 0.941 |
| 3.4 | 0.941 |
| 3.6 | 0.941 |
| 3.8 | 0.942 |
| 4.0 | 0.942 |
| Wavelength (μm) |
Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4.2 | 0.943 |
| 4.4 | 0.943 |
| 4.6 | 0.943 |
| 4.8 | 0.944 |
| 5.0 | 0.945 |
| 5.2 | 0.945 |
| 5.4 | 0.945 |
| 5.6 | 0.946 |
| 5.8 | 0.946 |
| 6.0 | 0.947 |
| Wavelength (μm) |
Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 6.2 | 0.947 |
| 6.4 | 0.947 |
| 6.6 | 0.948 |
| 6.8 | 0.949 |
| 7.0 | 0.949 |
| 7.2 | 0.948 |
| 7.4 | 0.947 |
| 7.6 | 0.946 |
| 7.8 | 0.945 |
| 8.0 | 0.944 |
Total Transmission of Optic (CaF2 Substrate + AR Coating for 3 - 5 µm)
The table below gives the approximate theoretical transmission of these AR-Coated optics for a few select wavelengths in the 0.18 - 8.0 µm range. To see an excel file that lists all measured transmission values for this wavelength range, please click here. Please note that the transmission values stated for wavelengths outside of the AR coating range are approximate and can vary significantly by coating lot.
| Wavelength (µm) | Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 0.2 | 0.210 |
| 0.4 | 0.361 |
| 0.6 | 0.284 |
| 0.8 | 0.453 |
| 1.0 | 0.481 |
| 1.2 | 0.799 |
| 1.4 | 0.838 |
| 1.6 | 0.641 |
| 1.8 | 0.932 |
| 2.0 | 0.794 |
| Wavelength (µm) |
Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 2.2 | 0.733 |
| 2.4 | 0.704 |
| 2.6 | 0.858 |
| 2.8 | 0.972 |
| 3.0 | 0.977 |
| 3.2 | 0.971 |
| 3.4 | 0.972 |
| 3.6 | 0.968 |
| 3.8 | 0.962 |
| 4.0 | 0.960 |
| Wavelength (µm) |
Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 4.2 | 0.965 |
| 4.4 | 0.972 |
| 4.6 | 0.975 |
| 4.8 | 0.969 |
| 5.0 | 0.952 |
| 5.2 | 0.927 |
| 5.4 | 0.898 |
| 5.6 | 0.868 |
| 5.8 | 0.839 |
| 6.0 | 0.815 |
| Wavelength (µm) |
Total Transmission |
|---|---|
| 6.2 | 0.795 |
| 6.4 | 0.779 |
| 6.6 | 0.767 |
| 6.8 | 0.759 |
| 7.0 | 0.753 |
| 7.2 | 0.750 |
| 7.4 | 0.749 |
| 7.6 | 0.750 |
| 7.8 | 0.751 |
| 8.0 | 0.754 |
Wavelength-Dependent Focal Length Shift
The paraxial focal length of a lens is wavelength dependent. The focal length listed below for a given lens corresponds to the value at the design wavelength (i.e., the focal length at 588 nm). Since CaF2 offers high transmission from 0.18 - 8.0 µm, users may wish to use these lenses at other popular wavelengths. Click on the icons below to view theoretically-calculated focal length shifts for wavelengths within the 0.18 - 8.0 µm range.
The blue shading indicates the region for which the AR coating is optimized. Please see the Graphs tab for more information.
Ø1/2" Bi-Concave Lenses
| Item # | LD5451 | LD5788 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length @ 588 nm | -15.0 mm | -25.0 mm |
| Focal Length Shift (Click for Details) |  |  |
| Raw Data (Click to Download) | Data | Data |
Ø1" Bi-Concave Lenses
| Item # | LD5138 | LD5313 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length @ 588 nm | -30.0 mm | -50.0 mm |
| Focal Length Shift (Click for Details) |  |  |
| Raw Data (Click to Download) | Data | Data |
| Recommended Mounting Options for Thorlabs Lenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø2 mm to Ø10 mm Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| (Various) | Fixed Lens Mounts and Mini-Series Fixed Lens Mounts for Small Optics, Ø5 mm to Ø10 mm | |
| (Various) | Small Optic Adapters for Use with Standard Fixed Lens Mounts, Ø2 mm to Ø10 mm | |
| Item # | Mounts for Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR05 | LMR05/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| MLH05 | MLH05/M | Mini-Series Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| LM05XY | LM05XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| SCP05 | 16 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø1/2" Optics | |
| (Various) | Ø1/2" Lens Tubes, Optional SM05RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR1 | LMR1/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics |
| LM1XY | LM1XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics |
| ST1XY-S | ST1XY-S/M | Translating Lens Mount with Micrometer Drives (Other Drives Available) |
| CXY1 | 30 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø1" Optics | |
| (Various) | Ø1" Lens Tubes, Optional SM1RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Mount for Ø1.5" Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR1.5 | LMR1.5/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1.5" Optics |
| (Various) | Ø1.5" Lens Tubes, Optional SM1.5RR Retaining Ring for Ø1.5" Lens Tubes and Mounts |
|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR2 | LMR2/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø2" Optics |
| LM2XY | LM2XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø2" Optics |
| CXY2 | 60 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø2" Optics |
|
| (Various) | Ø2" Lens Tubes, Optional SM2RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Adjustable Optic Mounts | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LH1 | LH1/M | Adjustable Mount for Ø0.28" (Ø7.1 mm) to Ø1.80" (Ø45.7 mm) Optics |
| LH2 | LH2/M | Adjustable Mount for Ø0.77" (Ø19.6 mm) to Ø2.28" (Ø57.9 mm) Optics |
| VG100 | VG100/M | Adjustable Clamp for Ø0.5" (Ø13 mm) to Ø3.5" (Ø89 mm) Optics |
| SCL03 | SCL03/M | Self-Centering Mount for Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm) Optics |
| SCL04 | SCL04/M | Self-Centering Mount for Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø3.00" (Ø76.2 mm) Optics |
| LH160C | LH160C/M | Adjustable Mount for 60 mm Cage Systems, Ø0.50" (Ø13 mm) to Ø2.00" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics |
| SCL60C | SCL60C/M | 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.
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| Item # | Diameter | Focal Length | Dioptera | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessb | Back Focal Lengthc | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD5451d | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | -15.0 mm | -66.6 | -13.4 mm | 2.5 mm | 5.7 mm | -15.8 mm |  |
| LD5788e | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | -25.0 mm | -40.0 | -22.1 mm | 3.0 mm | 4.9 mm | -26.0 mm |
| Item # | Diameter | Focal Length | Dioptera | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessb | Back Focal Lengthc | AR Coating | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD5451-Ed | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | -15.0 mm | -66.6 | -13.4 mm | 2.5 mm | 5.7 mm | -15.8 mm | <1.25% Ravg from 2 - 5 µm |
|
| LD5788-Ee | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | -25.0 mm | -40.0 | -22.1 mm | 3.0 mm | 4.9 mm | -26.0 mm | <2.0% Ravg from 3 - 5 µm |
| Item # | Diameter | Focal Length | Dioptera | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessb | Back Focal Lengthc | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD5138d | 1" (25.4 mm) | -30.0 mm | -33.3 | -26.4 mm | 2.5 mm | 9.0 mm | -30.9 mm | |
| LD5313e | 1" (25.4 mm) | -50.0 mm | -20.0 | -43.8 mm | 3.0 mm | 6.8 mm | -51.0 mm |
| Item # | Diameter | Focal Length | Dioptera | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessb | Back Focal Lengthc | AR Coating | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD5138-Ed | 1" (25.4 mm) | -30.0 mm | -33.3 | -26.4 mm | 2.5 mm | 9.0 mm | -30.9 mm | <2.0% Ravg from 3 - 5 µm |
|
| LD5313-Ee | 1" (25.4 mm) | -50.0 mm | -20.0 | -43.8 mm | 3.0 mm | 6.8 mm | -51.0 mm |
 CaF2, Bi-Concave Lenses |