Mounted Achromatic Doublets, AR Coated: 400 - 1100 nm


  • Achromatic Performance with AR Coating for 400 - 1100 nm
  • Multi-Element Design Minimizes Spot Size
  • Mounted in Engraved Housing

AC254-030-AB-ML

f = 30.0 mm, SM1 Threaded

AC508-300-AB-ML

f = 300.0 mm, SM2 Threaded

AC127-019-AB-ML

f = 19.0 mm, SM05 Threaded

AC127-075-AB-ML

f = 75.0 mm, SM05 Threaded

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General Specifications
Design Wavelengths 488 nm, 707 nm, and 1064 nm
AR Coating Range 400 - 1100 nm
Reflectance Over AR Coating
Range (0° AOI)
Ravg < 1.0%
Diameters Available 1/2", 1", or 2"
Diameter Tolerance +0.0 mm / -0.1 mm
Focal Length Tolerance ±1%
Surface Quality 40-20 Scratch-Dig
Spherical Surface Powera 3λ/2
Spherical Surface Irregularity
(Peak to Valley)
λ/4
Centration ≤3 arcmin
Clear Aperture 90% of Lens Diameter
Pulsed Damage Thresholdb 1 J/cm2
(532 nm, 10 ns Pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.408 mm)
1.5 J/cm2
(1064 nm, 10 ns Pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.448 mm)
CW Damage Thresholdc 589 W/cm at 532 nm, Ø1.0 mm
Operating Temperature -40 °C to 85 °C
  • Much like surface flatness for flat optics, spherical surface power is a measure of the deviation between the surface of the curved optic and a calibrated reference gauge, typically for a 633 nm source, unless otherwise stated. This specification is also commonly referred to as surface fit.
  • The damage threshold of cemented achromatic doublets is limited by the cement. For applications that require higher damage thresholds, please consider our air-spaced doublets.
  • The power density of your beam should be calculated in terms of W/cm. For an explanation of why the linear power density provides the best metric for long pulse and CW sources, please see the "Continuous Wave and Long-Pulse Lasers" section in the Damage Thresholds tab.
Mounted Achromat Diameter Mounting Threads
Ø1/2" SM05 (0.535"-40)
Ø1" SM1 (1.035"-40)
Ø2" SM2 (2.035"-40)
Achromatic Doublet Selection Guide
Unmounted Lenses Mounted Lenses
Visible (400 - 700 nm) Visible (400 - 700 nm)
Extended Visible (400 - 1100 nm) Extended Visible (400 - 1100 nm)
Near IR (650 - 1050 nm) Near IR (650 - 1050 nm)
IR (1050 - 1700 nm) IR (1050 - 1700 nm)
Achromatic Doublet Kits
Optic Cleaning Tutorial
Lens Tutorial
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

  • AR Coated for the 400 - 1100 nm Range
  • Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" Mounted Lens Sizes
  • Threaded Housing Enables Easy Integration into Thorlabs’ Optomechanics
  • Housings Engraved with Focal Length and Coating Information
  • 19 mm to 600 mm Focal Lengths 

Thorlabs' cemented achromatic doublets are available pre-mounted in engraved, threaded housings, making it easy to incorporate these optics into your setup. We offer these lenses in Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø2" sizes. Please see our Visible Achromatic Doublets to purchase these lenses unmounted.

The engraving on our mounts clearly indicates the part number, focal length, and antireflection coating deposited onto the surface. The engraved arrow points from the side of the lens with the larger radius of curvature (flatter side) to the side with the smaller radius of curvature and indicates the recommended direction of light propagation to collimate a point source. If focusing a collimated beam, the engraved arrow should point in the opposite direction of light propagation. An infinity symbol denotes that this lens has an infinite conjugate ratio (i.e., if a diverging light source is placed one focal length away from the flatter side of the lens, the light rays emerging from the curved side will be collimated).

These achromatic doublets, which are designed for use in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (400 - 1100 nm), are optimized at infinite conjugate ratios. The design wavelengths used are 488 nm, 707 nm, and 1064 nm and define the Abbe Number, Vd, of a material. This makes them ideal for applications like fluorescence microscopy. For applications in wavelength regimes less than 410 nm, Thorlabs’ air-gap UV doublets provide excellent performance down to 240 nm.

Achromatic doublets are useful for controlling chromatic aberration and are frequently used to achieve a diffraction-limited spot when using a monochromatic source like a laser. Refer to the Application tab above for information about the superior performance of achromatic doublets compared to singlet lenses.

In the specification tables below, a positive radius of curvature indicates that the surface is opening to the right when the lens is oriented as shown in the reference drawing while a negative radius of curvature indicates that the surface is opening to the left. Both the positive and negative lenses have an infinite conjugate ratio (i.e., if a diverging light source is placed one focal length away from the flatter side of the lens, the light rays emerging from the curved side will be collimated).

Comparison of Some but Not All Thorlabs AR Coatings
Click to Enlarge

Click Here for Data
The graph above shows the broadband performance of the -AB coating compared to our standard -A and -B antireflection coatings.

Detailed information regarding each achromatic doublet can be found in the Zemax® files included with the support documents for each doublet. Below are some examples of how the performance of these lenses can be examined using the Zemax® files.

Focal Shift vs. Wavelength

Thorlabs' achromatic doublets are optimized to provide a nearly constant focal length across a broad bandwidth. This is accomplished by utilizing a multi-element design to minimize the chromatic aberration of the lens. Dispersion in the first (positive) element of the doublet is corrected by the second (negative) element, resulting in better broadband performance than spherical singlets or aspheric lenses. The graph below shows the paraxial focal shift as a function of wavelength for the AC254-150-AB, which is a 150 mm focal length, Ø25.4 mm achromatic doublet.

Wavefront Error and Spot Size

Spherical doublet lenses have been corrected for various aberrations. One way of displaying the theoretical level of correction is through plots of wavefront error and ray traces to determine spot size. For example, in Figure 2, a plot of wavefront at the image plane reveals information regarding aberration correction by using the AC254-125-C. In this example, the wavefront error is theoretically on the order of 3/100 of a wave. This indicates that the optical path length difference (OPD) is extremely small for arrays going through the center of the lens and at nearly full aperture.

A ray trace for spot size at the image plane of the AC254-250-C is shown below in Figure 3. In this near IR achromatic doublet, the design wavelengths (706.5 nm, 855 nm and 1015 nm) have each been traced through the lens and are represented by different colors. The circle surrounding the distribution of ray intercepts represents the diameter of the Airy disk. If the spot is within the Airy disk, the lens is typically considered to be diffraction limited. Since the spot size is drawn using geometric ray tracing, spots much smaller than the Airy disk are not achievable due to diffraction.

Understanding Modulation Transfer Function, MTF

MTF image quality is an important characteristic of lenses. A common way to measure this is by using contrast. A plot of the modulation transfer function is used as both a theoretical and experimental description of image quality. The MTF of a lens describes its ability to transfer contrast from an object to an image at various resolution levels. Typically, a resolution target made up of black and white lines at various spacings is imaged and contrast can be measured. Contrast at 100% would consist of perfectly black and white lines. As the contrast diminishes, the distinction between lines begins to blur. A plot of MTF shows the percentage of contrast as the spacing between these lines decreases. The spacing between the lines at the object is usually represented as spatial frequency given in cycles/mm.

MTF curves calculated in Zemax® typically present a weighted average with contributions from multiple wavelengths and are known as polychromatic MTF curves. Since shorter and longer wavelengths will have different resolution limits, and hence different individual MTF curves, quantitatively different polychromatic MTF curves may be produced depending on the wavelengths included in the curve's calculation.

Achromat MTF
Click to Enlarge

Figure 4

The chart shows the theoretical MTF for our Ø25.4 mm, f=200 mm near IR achromatic doublet. The contrast is around 83% at a spatial frequency of about 20 cycles/mm. This represents 83% contrast at 0.05 mm spacings between lines. Theoretical MTF shows how well a design can perform if the optic was built exactly to the design dimensions. In reality, most optics fall short of the theoretical due to manufacturing tolerances.

Achromatic Doublet Resolution
Achromatic Doublet Resolution

The screen captures to the right and left are actual measurements taken using a USAF 1951 resolution chart as the object.

For the target selected, the contrast measured 82.3%.

Achromatic Doublet Lenses have far superior optical performance to Singlet Lenses. In addition, they offer better broadband and off-axis performance than Aspheric Lenses. Whether your application has demanding imaging requirements or laser beam manipulation needs, these doublets should be considered.

Achieve a Tighter Focus

The figures below show a comparison of a plano-convex singlet focusing a 633 nm laser beam and an achromatic doublet focusing the same laser beam. The spot (circle of least confusion) from the doublet is 4.2 times smaller than the singlet spot size.

Achromatic Doublet Focus Spot Size

 

Superior Off Axis Performance

Achromatic doublet lenses have a much reduced sensitivity to centration on the beam axis when compared to spherical singlets and aspheric lenses.

The figures below show two 50.0 mm focal length lenses, one plano-convex and the other an achromatic doublet. Both are Ø25.4 mm lenses with a Ø3 mm beam through the optical axis and one offset by 8.0 mm. Lateral and transverse aberrations are greatly reduced by the achromatic doublet.

Achromatic Doublet Off-Axis Performance

 

Nearly Constant Focal Length Across a Wide Range of Wavelengths

When using a white light source with a singlet lens, the focal point and circle of least confusion are blurred by chromatic aberration. Chromatic aberration is due to the variation of refractive index with respect to wavelength. In an achromatic doublet this effect is somewhat compensated for by using glasses of two different refractive indexes to cancel these aberrations.

The figures below show the effect on focal length for a number of different wavelengths of light through an achromatic doublet and a plano-convex singlet. The figures also shows how the circle of least confusion for white light is reduced by using an achromatic doublet.

Achromatic Doublet Chromatic Performance
Damage Threshold Specifications
Item # Suffix Damage Threshold
-AB-ML (Pulse) 1 J/cm2
(532 nm, 10 ns Pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.408 mm)
1.5 J/cm2
(1064 nm, 10 ns Pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.448 mm)
-AB-ML (CW)a 589 W/cm at 532 nm, Ø1.0 mm
  • The power density of your beam should be calculated in terms of
    W/cm. For an explanation of why the linear power density provides
    the best metric for long pulse and CW sources, please see the
    "Continuous Wave and Long-Pulse Lasers" section below.

Damage Threshold Data for Thorlabs' AB-Coated Achromatic Doublets

The specifications to the right are measured data for Thorlabs' AB-coated achromatic doublets. The damage threshold of cemented achromatic doublets is limited by the cement. For applications that require higher damage thresholds, please consider our air-spaced doublets. These specifications are valid for all AB-coated achromatic doublets, regardless of the size or focal length of the lens.

 

Laser Induced Damage Threshold Tutorial

The following is a general overview of how laser induced damage thresholds are measured and how the values may be utilized in determining the appropriateness of an optic for a given application. When choosing optics, it is important to understand the Laser Induced Damage Threshold (LIDT) of the optics being used. The LIDT for an optic greatly depends on the type of laser you are using. Continuous wave (CW) lasers typically cause damage from thermal effects (absorption either in the coating or in the substrate). Pulsed lasers, on the other hand, often strip electrons from the lattice structure of an optic before causing thermal damage. Note that the guideline presented here assumes room temperature operation and optics in new condition (i.e., within scratch-dig spec, surface free of contamination, etc.). Because dust or other particles on the surface of an optic can cause damage at lower thresholds, we recommend keeping surfaces clean and free of debris. For more information on cleaning optics, please see our Optics Cleaning tutorial.

Testing Method

Thorlabs' LIDT testing is done in compliance with ISO/DIS 11254 and ISO 21254 specifications.

First, a low-power/energy beam is directed to the optic under test. The optic is exposed in 10 locations to this laser beam for 30 seconds (CW) or for a number of pulses (pulse repetition frequency specified). After exposure, the optic is examined by a microscope (~100X magnification) for any visible damage. The number of locations that are damaged at a particular power/energy level is recorded. Next, the power/energy is either increased or decreased and the optic is exposed at 10 new locations. This process is repeated until damage is observed. The damage threshold is then assigned to be the highest power/energy that the optic can withstand without causing damage. A histogram such as that below represents the testing of one BB1-E02 mirror.

LIDT metallic mirror
The photograph above is a protected aluminum-coated mirror after LIDT testing. In this particular test, it handled 0.43 J/cm2 (1064 nm, 10 ns pulse, 10 Hz, Ø1.000 mm) before damage.
LIDT BB1-E02
Example Test Data
Fluence # of Tested Locations Locations with Damage Locations Without Damage
1.50 J/cm2 10 0 10
1.75 J/cm2 10 0 10
2.00 J/cm2 10 0 10
2.25 J/cm2 10 1 9
3.00 J/cm2 10 1 9
5.00 J/cm2 10 9 1

According to the test, the damage threshold of the mirror was 2.00 J/cm2 (532 nm, 10 ns pulse, 10 Hz, Ø0.803 mm). Please keep in mind that these tests are performed on clean optics, as dirt and contamination can significantly lower the damage threshold of a component. While the test results are only representative of one coating run, Thorlabs specifies damage threshold values that account for coating variances.

Continuous Wave and Long-Pulse Lasers

When an optic is damaged by a continuous wave (CW) laser, it is usually due to the melting of the surface as a result of absorbing the laser's energy or damage to the optical coating (antireflection) [1]. Pulsed lasers with pulse lengths longer than 1 µs can be treated as CW lasers for LIDT discussions.

When pulse lengths are between 1 ns and 1 µs, laser-induced damage can occur either because of absorption or a dielectric breakdown (therefore, a user must check both CW and pulsed LIDT). Absorption is either due to an intrinsic property of the optic or due to surface irregularities; thus LIDT values are only valid for optics meeting or exceeding the surface quality specifications given by a manufacturer. While many optics can handle high power CW lasers, cemented (e.g., achromatic doublets) or highly absorptive (e.g., ND filters) optics tend to have lower CW damage thresholds. These lower thresholds are due to absorption or scattering in the cement or metal coating.

Linear Power Density Scaling

LIDT in linear power density vs. pulse length and spot size. For long pulses to CW, linear power density becomes a constant with spot size. This graph was obtained from [1].

Intensity Distribution

Pulsed lasers with high pulse repetition frequencies (PRF) may behave similarly to CW beams. Unfortunately, this is highly dependent on factors such as absorption and thermal diffusivity, so there is no reliable method for determining when a high PRF laser will damage an optic due to thermal effects. For beams with a high PRF both the average and peak powers must be compared to the equivalent CW power. Additionally, for highly transparent materials, there is little to no drop in the LIDT with increasing PRF.

In order to use the specified CW damage threshold of an optic, it is necessary to know the following:

  1. Wavelength of your laser
  2. Beam diameter of your beam (1/e2)
  3. Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)
  4. Linear power density of your beam (total power divided by 1/e2 beam diameter)

Thorlabs expresses LIDT for CW lasers as a linear power density measured in W/cm. In this regime, the LIDT given as a linear power density can be applied to any beam diameter; one does not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to adjust for changes in spot size, as demonstrated by the graph to the right. Average linear power density can be calculated using the equation below. 

The calculation above assumes a uniform beam intensity profile. You must now consider hotspots in the beam or other non-uniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum power density. For reference, a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum power density that is twice that of the uniform beam (see lower right).

Now compare the maximum power density to that which is specified as the LIDT for the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating wavelength, the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has a linear relationship with wavelength such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 10 W/cm at 1310 nm scales to 5 W/cm at 655 nm):

CW Wavelength Scaling

While this rule of thumb provides a general trend, it is not a quantitative analysis of LIDT vs wavelength. In CW applications, for instance, damage scales more strongly with absorption in the coating and substrate, which does not necessarily scale well with wavelength. While the above procedure provides a good rule of thumb for LIDT values, please contact Tech Support if your wavelength is different from the specified LIDT wavelength. If your power density is less than the adjusted LIDT of the optic, then the optic should work for your application. 

Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. The damage analysis will be carried out on a similar optic (customer's optic will not be damaged). Testing may result in additional costs or lead times. Contact Tech Support for more information.

Pulsed Lasers

As previously stated, pulsed lasers typically induce a different type of damage to the optic than CW lasers. Pulsed lasers often do not heat the optic enough to damage it; instead, pulsed lasers produce strong electric fields capable of inducing dielectric breakdown in the material. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to compare the LIDT specification of an optic to your laser. There are multiple regimes in which a pulsed laser can damage an optic and this is based on the laser's pulse length. The highlighted columns in the table below outline the relevant pulse lengths for our specified LIDT values.

Pulses shorter than 10-9 s cannot be compared to our specified LIDT values with much reliability. In this ultra-short-pulse regime various mechanics, such as multiphoton-avalanche ionization, take over as the predominate damage mechanism [2]. In contrast, pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s may cause damage to an optic either because of dielectric breakdown or thermal effects. This means that both CW and pulsed damage thresholds must be compared to the laser beam to determine whether the optic is suitable for your application.

Pulse Duration t < 10-9 s 10-9 < t < 10-7 s 10-7 < t < 10-4 s t > 10-4 s
Damage Mechanism Avalanche Ionization Dielectric Breakdown Dielectric Breakdown or Thermal Thermal
Relevant Damage Specification No Comparison (See Above) Pulsed Pulsed and CW CW

When comparing an LIDT specified for a pulsed laser to your laser, it is essential to know the following:

Energy Density Scaling

LIDT in energy density vs. pulse length and spot size. For short pulses, energy density becomes a constant with spot size. This graph was obtained from [1].

  1. Wavelength of your laser
  2. Energy density of your beam (total energy divided by 1/e2 area)
  3. Pulse length of your laser
  4. Pulse repetition frequency (prf) of your laser
  5. Beam diameter of your laser (1/e2 )
  6. Approximate intensity profile of your beam (e.g., Gaussian)

The energy density of your beam should be calculated in terms of J/cm2. The graph to the right shows why expressing the LIDT as an energy density provides the best metric for short pulse sources. In this regime, the LIDT given as an energy density can be applied to any beam diameter; one does not need to compute an adjusted LIDT to adjust for changes in spot size. This calculation assumes a uniform beam intensity profile. You must now adjust this energy density to account for hotspots or other nonuniform intensity profiles and roughly calculate a maximum energy density. For reference a Gaussian beam typically has a maximum energy density that is twice that of the 1/e2 beam.

Now compare the maximum energy density to that which is specified as the LIDT for the optic. If the optic was tested at a wavelength other than your operating wavelength, the damage threshold must be scaled appropriately [3]. A good rule of thumb is that the damage threshold has an inverse square root relationship with wavelength such that as you move to shorter wavelengths, the damage threshold decreases (i.e., a LIDT of 1 J/cm2 at 1064 nm scales to 0.7 J/cm2 at 532 nm):

Pulse Wavelength Scaling

You now have a wavelength-adjusted energy density, which you will use in the following step.

Beam diameter is also important to know when comparing damage thresholds. While the LIDT, when expressed in units of J/cm², scales independently of spot size; large beam sizes are more likely to illuminate a larger number of defects which can lead to greater variances in the LIDT [4]. For data presented here, a <1 mm beam size was used to measure the LIDT. For beams sizes greater than 5 mm, the LIDT (J/cm2) will not scale independently of beam diameter due to the larger size beam exposing more defects.

The pulse length must now be compensated for. The longer the pulse duration, the more energy the optic can handle. For pulse widths between 1 - 100 ns, an approximation is as follows:

Pulse Length Scaling

Use this formula to calculate the Adjusted LIDT for an optic based on your pulse length. If your maximum energy density is less than this adjusted LIDT maximum energy density, then the optic should be suitable for your application. Keep in mind that this calculation is only used for pulses between 10-9 s and 10-7 s. For pulses between 10-7 s and 10-4 s, the CW LIDT must also be checked before deeming the optic appropriate for your application.

Please note that we have a buffer built in between the specified damage thresholds online and the tests which we have done, which accommodates variation between batches. Upon request, we can provide individual test information and a testing certificate. Contact Tech Support for more information.


[1] R. M. Wood, Optics and Laser Tech. 29, 517 (1998).
[2] Roger M. Wood, Laser-Induced Damage of Optical Materials (Institute of Physics Publishing, Philadelphia, PA, 2003).
[3] C. W. Carr et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 127402 (2003).
[4] N. Bloembergen, Appl. Opt. 12, 661 (1973).

In order to illustrate the process of determining whether a given laser system will damage an optic, a number of example calculations of laser induced damage threshold are given below. For assistance with performing similar calculations, we provide a spreadsheet calculator that can be downloaded by clicking the button to the right. To use the calculator, enter the specified LIDT value of the optic under consideration and the relevant parameters of your laser system in the green boxes. The spreadsheet will then calculate a linear power density for CW and pulsed systems, as well as an energy density value for pulsed systems. These values are used to calculate adjusted, scaled LIDT values for the optics based on accepted scaling laws. This calculator assumes a Gaussian beam profile, so a correction factor must be introduced for other beam shapes (uniform, etc.). The LIDT scaling laws are determined from empirical relationships; their accuracy is not guaranteed. Remember that absorption by optics or coatings can significantly reduce LIDT in some spectral regions. These LIDT values are not valid for ultrashort pulses less than one nanosecond in duration.

Intensity Distribution
A Gaussian beam profile has about twice the maximum intensity of a uniform beam profile.

CW Laser Example
Suppose that a CW laser system at 1319 nm produces a 0.5 W Gaussian beam that has a 1/e2 diameter of 10 mm. A naive calculation of the average linear power density of this beam would yield a value of 0.5 W/cm, given by the total power divided by the beam diameter:

CW Wavelength Scaling

However, the maximum power density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the maximum power density of a uniform beam, as shown in the graph to the right. Therefore, a more accurate determination of the maximum linear power density of the system is 1 W/cm.

An AC127-030-C achromatic doublet lens has a specified CW LIDT of 350 W/cm, as tested at 1550 nm. CW damage threshold values typically scale directly with the wavelength of the laser source, so this yields an adjusted LIDT value:

CW Wavelength Scaling

The adjusted LIDT value of 350 W/cm x (1319 nm / 1550 nm) = 298 W/cm is significantly higher than the calculated maximum linear power density of the laser system, so it would be safe to use this doublet lens for this application.

Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Pulse Durations
Suppose that a pulsed Nd:YAG laser system is frequency tripled to produce a 10 Hz output, consisting of 2 ns output pulses at 355 nm, each with 1 J of energy, in a Gaussian beam with a 1.9 cm beam diameter (1/e2). The average energy density of each pulse is found by dividing the pulse energy by the beam area:

Pulse Energy Density

As described above, the maximum energy density of a Gaussian beam is about twice the average energy density. So, the maximum energy density of this beam is ~0.7 J/cm2.

The energy density of the beam can be compared to the LIDT values of 1 J/cm2 and 3.5 J/cm2 for a BB1-E01 broadband dielectric mirror and an NB1-K08 Nd:YAG laser line mirror, respectively. Both of these LIDT values, while measured at 355 nm, were determined with a 10 ns pulsed laser at 10 Hz. Therefore, an adjustment must be applied for the shorter pulse duration of the system under consideration. As described on the previous tab, LIDT values in the nanosecond pulse regime scale with the square root of the laser pulse duration:

Pulse Length Scaling

This adjustment factor results in LIDT values of 0.45 J/cm2 for the BB1-E01 broadband mirror and 1.6 J/cm2 for the Nd:YAG laser line mirror, which are to be compared with the 0.7 J/cm2 maximum energy density of the beam. While the broadband mirror would likely be damaged by the laser, the more specialized laser line mirror is appropriate for use with this system.

Pulsed Nanosecond Laser Example: Scaling for Different Wavelengths
Suppose that a pulsed laser system emits 10 ns pulses at 2.5 Hz, each with 100 mJ of energy at 1064 nm in a 16 mm diameter beam (1/e2) that must be attenuated with a neutral density filter. For a Gaussian output, these specifications result in a maximum energy density of 0.1 J/cm2. The damage threshold of an NDUV10A Ø25 mm, OD 1.0, reflective neutral density filter is 0.05 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 355 nm, while the damage threshold of the similar NE10A absorptive filter is 10 J/cm2 for 10 ns pulses at 532 nm. As described on the previous tab, the LIDT value of an optic scales with the square root of the wavelength in the nanosecond pulse regime:

Pulse Wavelength Scaling

This scaling gives adjusted LIDT values of 0.08 J/cm2 for the reflective filter and 14 J/cm2 for the absorptive filter. In this case, the absorptive filter is the best choice in order to avoid optical damage.

Pulsed Microsecond Laser Example
Consider a laser system that produces 1 µs pulses, each containing 150 µJ of energy at a repetition rate of 50 kHz, resulting in a relatively high duty cycle of 5%. This system falls somewhere between the regimes of CW and pulsed laser induced damage, and could potentially damage an optic by mechanisms associated with either regime. As a result, both CW and pulsed LIDT values must be compared to the properties of the laser system to ensure safe operation.

If this relatively long-pulse laser emits a Gaussian 12.7 mm diameter beam (1/e2) at 980 nm, then the resulting output has a linear power density of 5.9 W/cm and an energy density of 1.2 x 10-4 J/cm2 per pulse. This can be compared to the LIDT values for a WPQ10E-980 polymer zero-order quarter-wave plate, which are 5 W/cm for CW radiation at 810 nm and 5 J/cm2 for a 10 ns pulse at 810 nm. As before, the CW LIDT of the optic scales linearly with the laser wavelength, resulting in an adjusted CW value of 6 W/cm at 980 nm. On the other hand, the pulsed LIDT scales with the square root of the laser wavelength and the square root of the pulse duration, resulting in an adjusted value of 55 J/cm2 for a 1 µs pulse at 980 nm. The pulsed LIDT of the optic is significantly greater than the energy density of the laser pulse, so individual pulses will not damage the wave plate. However, the large average linear power density of the laser system may cause thermal damage to the optic, much like a high-power CW beam.

Threading Specifications

The following is a general overview of screw threading. For more details regarding specifications and dimensions, please consult the Machinery's Handbook, available for purchase at many bookstores.

Features of a Thread
A thread consists of three repeating features: a crest, flank, and root (see drawing to the right). Except in special cases, threads have symmetrical sides inclined at equal angles when a vertical line is drawn through the center of a crest or root. The distance between corresponding points on adjacent threads is known as the pitch of the thread. The flank angle is defined as the angle the flank makes with a perpendicular ray drawn from the screw axis. Unless otherwise stated, threads have a flank angle of 30°, resulting in a total angle between flanks of 60°. Each feature is shown in the diagram to the right.

The major diameter is taken from the crests of a thread while the minor diameter is taken from the roots. For most screws, crests and roots do not terminate at a sharp point, so crest and root truncation values are included in the definitions of major and minor diameter. The pitch diameter is approximately halfway between the major and minor diameters.

Thread Form
A thread form is a set of rules that define the features' scale relative to one another. Common thread forms include the Unified Screw Thread Form, used in the United States of America and measured in imperial units, and the ISO Metric Screw Thread Form, used in many parts of the world and measured with the International System of Units. There are many thread forms in the Unified screw thread standard designated by either UN, which defines a flat root contour, or UNR, which defines a round root contour. These can be further described by appending more letters. For example, an extremely fine thread with a flat root contour is designated UNEF. Those forms which are not standardized by the Unified screw thread system are designated UNS.

Thread Series
Most screws are identified by their thread series. Thread series are denoted by the major diameter and density of threads. Unified threads specify density in threads per inch, while Metric threads specify the thread pitch. For example, in the Unified nomenclature, a 1/4"-20 cap screw has a 1/4" diameter barrel and the pitch is 20 threads per inch (TPI). In metric nomenclature, an M4 x 0.7 cap screw has a 4 mm barrel and the pitch is 1 thread per 0.7 mm. The term M4 x 0.7 is often shortened to just M4.

Unified Thread Class Tolerancing
Location Loose Optimal Strict
Internal 1B 2B 3B
External 1A 2A 3A
Metric Thread Tolerance Positions
Location Loose Optimal Strict
Internal - G H
External e or f g h
Metric Thread Tolerance Grades
Dimension Location Tolerance Gradesa
Minor Diameter Internal 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Major Diameter External 4, 6, 8
Pitch Diameter Internal 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
External 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • The tolerance becomes looser as the grade increases. The underlined grades are used with normal lengths of thread engagement.

Thread Class
The tolerances and allowances on a thread series are given by a thread class. Unified thread classes are alphanumeric identifiers starting with a number from 1 through 3, where 1 is the loosest tolerance and 3 is the tightest, and either A for external threading or B for internal threading.

Metric threads have a slightly more complex tolerancing method that uses tolerancing grades, designated by a number 3 through 9; and tolerancing positions, which use letters e through h. Grades provide a measure of the tolerance itself: the smaller the number, the tighter the tolerance. Positions denote the distance of the tolerance from the pitch diameter. Uppercase positioning letters indicate internal threads while lowercase positioning letters indicate external threads.

Quoting from the Machinery's Handbook, 29th Edition, p. 1885: "To designate the tolerance class, the grade and position of the pitch diameter is shown first followed by that for the major diameter in the case of the external thread or that for the minor diameter in the case of the internal thread, thus 4g6g for an external thread and 5H6H for an internal thread. If the two grades and positions are identical, it is not necessary to repeat the symbols, thus 4g, alone, stands for 4g4g and 5H, alone, stands for 5H5H."

Thorlabs' SM Series Threads
Threading specifications for our SM threads, utilized in our lens tube and cage system components, are given below so that you can machine mating components to suit your application. Most SM series threads utilize a non-standard Unified thread form, indicated by the letters UNS, with a 30° flank angle and a thread class of 2A and 2B. The exception is our SM30 series thread, which is a Metric thread form with a 30° flank angle and a tolerance of 6H/6g. We also offer products with C-Mount and RMS threads, and the specifications for these threads are given below for reference. Please note that other manufacturers may have different tolerances for C-Mount and RMS threads. For other thread specifications that are not listed here, please contact Tech Support.

SM05 Threading: Ø1/2" Lens Tubes, 16 mm Cage Systems
External Thread, 0.535"-40.0 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 0.535"-40.0 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 0.5340" Min Major Diameter 0.5350"
Min Major Diameter 0.5289" Min Pitch Diameter 0.5188"
Max Pitch Diameter 0.5178" Max Pitch Diameter 0.5230"
Min Pitch Diameter 0.5146" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 0.508"
Max Minor Diameter 0.5069" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 0.514"
RMS Threading: Objective, Scan, and Tube Lenses
External Thread, 0.800"-36.0 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 0.800"-36.0 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 0.7989" Min Major Diameter 0.8000"
Min Major Diameter 0.7934" Min Pitch Diameter 0.7820"
Max Pitch Diameter 0.7809" Max Pitch Diameter 0.7866"
Min Pitch Diameter 0.7774" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 0.770"
Max Minor Diameter 0.7688" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 0.777"
C-Mount Threading: Machine Vision Lenses, CCD/CMOS Cameras
External Thread, 1.000"-32.0 UN-2A Internal Thread, 1.000"-32.0 UN-2B
Max Major Diameter 0.9989" Min Major Diameter 1.0000"
Min Major Diameter 0.9929" Min Pitch Diameter 0.9797"
Max Pitch Diameter 0.9786" Max Pitch Diameter 0.9846"
Min Pitch Diameter 0.9748" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 0.966"
Max Minor Diameter 0.9651" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 0.974"
SM1 Threading: Ø1" Lens Tubes, 30 mm Cage Systems
External Thread, 1.035"-40.0 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 1.035"-40.0 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 1.0339" Min Major Diameter 1.0350"
Min Major Diameter 1.0288" Min Pitch Diameter 1.0188"
Max Pitch Diameter 1.0177" Max Pitch Diameter 1.0234"
Min Pitch Diameter 1.0142" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 1.008"
Max Minor Diameter 1.0068" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 1.014"
SM30 Threading: Ø30 mm Lens Tubes
External Thread, M30.5 x 0.5 – 6H/6g Internal Thread, M30.5 x 0.5 – 6H/6g
Max Major Diameter 30.480 mm Min Major Diameter 30.500 mm
Min Major Diameter 30.371 mm Min Pitch Diameter 30.175 mm
Max Pitch Diameter 30.155 mm Max Pitch Diameter 30.302 mm
Min Pitch Diameter 30.059 mm Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 29.959 mm
Max Minor Diameter 29.938 mm Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 30.094 mm
SM1.5 Threading: Ø1.5" Lens Tubes
External Thread, 1.535"-40 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 1.535"-40 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 1.5339" Min Major Diameter 1.535"
Min Major Diameter 1.5288" Min Pitch Diameter 1.5188"
Max Pitch Diameter 1.5177" Max Pitch Diameter 1.5236"
Min Pitch Diameter 1.5140" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 1.508"
Max Minor Diameter 1.5068" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 1.514"
SM2 Threading: Ø2" Lens Tubes, 60 mm Cage Systems
External Thread, 2.035"-40.0 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 2.035"-40.0 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 2.0338" Min Major Diameter 2.0350"
Min Major Diameter 2.0287" Min Pitch Diameter 2.0188"
Max Pitch Diameter 2.0176" Max Pitch Diameter 2.0239"
Min Pitch Diameter 2.0137" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 2.008"
Max Minor Diameter 2.0067" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 2.014"
SM3 Threading: Ø3" Lens Tubes
External Thread, 3.035"-40.0 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 3.035"-40.0 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 3.0337" Min Major Diameter 3.0350"
Min Major Diameter 3.0286" Min Pitch Diameter 3.0188"
Max Pitch Diameter 3.0175" Max Pitch Diameter 3.0242"
Min Pitch Diameter 3.0133" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 3.008"
Max Minor Diameter 3.0066" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 3.014"
SM4 Threading: Ø4" Lens Tubes
External Thread, 4.035"-40 UNS-2A Internal Thread, 4.035"-40.0 UNS-2B
Max Major Diameter 4.0337" Min Major Diameter 4.0350"
Min Major Diameter 4.0286" Min Pitch Diameter 4.0188"
Max Pitch Diameter 4.0175" Max Pitch Diameter 4.0245"
Min Pitch Diameter 4.0131" Min Minor Diameter (and 83.3% of Thread) 4.008"
Max Minor Diameter 4.0066" Max Minor Diameter (and 64.9% of Thread) 4.014"

Posted Comments:
Myungjun Cha  (posted 2021-12-24 01:43:13.647)
Can I get this doublet lens (AB coating) with focal length of 250 mm and 1 inch size?
jgreschler  (posted 2021-12-30 08:05:13.0)
Thank you for reaching out to Thorlabs. I have contacted you directly to discuss this further.
Lukas Glandorf  (posted 2020-09-30 05:00:08.607)
Do you expect to offer a wider range of focal lengths (like for the A-line coatings) in the near future? Thanks!
YLohia  (posted 2020-10-01 03:44:11.0)
Hello Lukas, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We already offer a wider range of focal lengths for our A-coated achromatic doublets here: https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2696. This page is for AB coatings, which currently has a smaller selection of available focal lengths. What specific focal lengths are you hoping to get?
Katherine McCormick  (posted 2019-11-22 12:00:21.407)
What type of cement is used on these products?
nbayconich  (posted 2019-12-12 12:42:55.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs.  We use Norland's NOA61 optical adhesive for our -AB coated achromatic cemented doublets.
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Ø1/2" Mounted Achromatic Doublets, AR Coated: 400 - 1100 nm

Item # Lens Diameter
(mm)
f a
(mm)
fba
(mm)
Graphsb WDc
(mm)
R1a
(mm)
R2a
(mm)
R3a
(mm)
tc1
(mm)
tc2
(mm)
ted
(mm)
Materialse Reference
Drawing
Mounting
Thread
AC127-019-AB-ML 12.7 19.0 16.29 info 13.71 14.3 -13.8 -68.5 4.0 1.0 3.2 N-LAK10/N-SF57 Achromatic Doublet Lens Drawing SM05
(0.535"-40)
AC127-025-AB-ML 12.7 25.0 21.89 info 19.30 19.1 -17.8 -82.3 4.0 2.0 4.6 N-LAK10/N-SF57
AC127-030-AB-ML 12.7 30.0 27.16 info 24.68 16.7 -13.8 -52.1 4.0 1.0 3.3 N-BK7/N-SF2
AC127-050-AB-ML 12.7 50.0 46.56 info 43.97 23.3 -22.6 -102.4 4.0 2.0 5.0 N-BK7/N-SF2
AC127-075-AB-ML 12.7 75.0 72.67 info 69.99 38.4 -35.0 -1773 2.5 1.5 3.3 N-BK7/N-SF2
  • Positive values are measured from the right side of the lens as shown in the reference drawing. Negative values are measured from the left side of the lens.
  • Click on More Info Icon for plots and downloadable data of the focal length shift and transmission for the lens.
  • Working Distance is measured from the end of the externally threaded side of the mount, as shown in the reference drawing.
  • Edge thicknesses given here are nominal and may vary from optic to optic.
  • Substrate materials often have multiple names, which vary depending upon the supplier of the bulk material. The materials listed here are the Schott glass types.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
AC127-019-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC127-019-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 19.0 mm, Ø1/2" Achromatic Doublet, SM05-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$120.99
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AC127-025-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC127-025-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 25.0 mm, Ø1/2" Achromatic Doublet, SM05-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$120.99
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AC127-030-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC127-030-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 30.0 mm, Ø1/2" Achromatic Doublet, SM05-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$120.99
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AC127-050-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC127-050-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 50.0 mm, Ø1/2" Achromatic Doublet, SM05-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$120.99
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AC127-075-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC127-075-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 75.0 mm, Ø1/2" Achromatic Doublet, SM05-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$120.99
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Ø1" Mounted Achromatic Doublets, AR Coated: 400 - 1100 nm

Item # Lens Diameter
(mm)
f a
(mm)
fba
(mm)
Graphsb WDc
(mm)
R1a
(mm)
R2a
(mm)
R3a
(mm)
tc1
(mm)
tc2
(mm)
ted
(mm)
Materialse Reference
Drawing
Mounting
Thread
AC254-030-AB-ML 25.4 30.0 21.22 info 18.13 20.0 -17.4 -93.1 12.0 3.0 9.5 S-BAH11/S-TIH6 Achromatic Doublet Lens Drawing SM1
(1.035"-40)
AC254-050-AB-ML 25.4 50.0 43.39 info 40.10 34.9 -28.8 -137.5 9.0 3.5 9.5 N-BAF10/N-SF6
AC254-075-AB-ML 25.4 75.0 68.72 info 65.29 52.0 -43.4 -217.4 8.0 4.0 10.0 N-BAF10/N-SF6
AC254-100-AB-ML 25.4 100.0 95.03 info 91.70 92.4 -48.2 -152.8 8.0 4.0 10.5 N-LAK22/N-SF10
AC254-150-AB-ML 25.4 150.0 143.68 info 139.87 87.9 -105.6 Plano 6.0 3.0 8.0 N-LAK22/N-SF10
AC254-200-AB-ML 25.4 200.0 194.15 info 190.34 117.1 -142.1 Plano 5.0 3.0 7.3 N-LAK22/N-SF10
  • Positive values are measured from the right side of the lens as shown in the reference drawing. Negative values are measured from the left side of the lens.
  • Click on More Info Icon for plots and downloadable data of the focal length shift and transmission for the lens.
  • Working Distance is measured from the end of the externally threaded side of the mount, as shown in the reference drawing.
  • Edge thicknesses given here are nominal and may vary from optic to optic.
  • Substrate materials often have multiple names, which vary depending upon the supplier of the bulk material. Most of the materials listed here are the Schott glass types with the exceptions of
    S-BAH11S (Ohara) and S-TIH6 (Ohara).
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
AC254-030-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC254-030-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 30.0 mm, Ø1" Achromatic Doublet, SM1-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$145.86
Today
AC254-050-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC254-050-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 50.0 mm, Ø1" Achromatic Doublet, SM1-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$145.86
Today
AC254-075-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC254-075-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 75.0 mm, Ø1" Achromatic Doublet, SM1-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$145.86
Today
AC254-100-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC254-100-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 100.0 mm, Ø1" Achromatic Doublet, SM1-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$145.86
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AC254-150-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC254-150-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 150.0 mm, Ø1" Achromatic Doublet, SM1-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$145.86
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AC254-200-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC254-200-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 200.0 mm, Ø1" Achromatic Doublet, SM1-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$145.86
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Ø2" Mounted Achromatic Doublets, AR Coated: 400 - 1100 nm

Item # Lens Diameter
(mm)
f a
(mm)
fba
(mm)
Graphsb WDc
(mm)
R1a
(mm)
R2a
(mm)
R3a
(mm)
tc1
(mm)
tc2
(mm)
ted
(mm)
Materialse Reference
Drawing
Mounting
Thread
AC508-080-AB-ML 50.8 80.0 72.73 info 70.52 63.6 -80.6 -181.7 12.0 3.0 7.8 N-LAK22/N-SF6 Achromatic Doublet Lens Drawing SM2
(2.035"-40)
AC508-180-AB-ML 50.8 180.0 173.52 info 170.6 144.4 -115.4 -328.2 9.5 4.0 10.2 N-LAK22/N-SF6
AC508-300-AB-ML 50.8 300.0 289.81 info 286.08 167.7 -285.8 Plano 9.0 4.0 11.0 N-LAK22/N-SF6
AC508-400-AB-ML 50.8 400.0 388.56 info 384.76 184.3 -274.0 Plano 9.0 4.0 11.2 N-BAK4/N-SF10
AC508-500-AB-ML 50.8 500.0 488.04 info 484.23 230.3 -343.9 Plano 9.0 4.0 11.5 N-BAK4/N-SF10
AC508-600-AB-ML 50.8 600.0 590.52 info 586.71 276.4 -413.9 Plano 9.0 4.0 11.8 N-BAK4/N-SF10
  • Positive values are measured from the right side of the lens as shown in the reference drawing. Negative values are measured from the left side of the lens.
  • Click on More Info Icon for plots and downloadable data of the focal length shift and transmission for the lens.
  • Working Distance is measured from the end of the externaly threaded side of the mount, as shown in the reference drawing.
  • Edge thicknesses given here are nominal and may vary from optic to optic.
  • Substrate materials often have multiple names, which vary depending upon the supplier of the bulk material. The materials listed here are the Schott glass types.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
AC508-080-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC508-080-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 80.0 mm, Ø2" Achromatic Doublet, SM2-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$202.40
Today
AC508-180-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC508-180-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 180.0 mm, Ø2" Achromatic Doublet, SM2-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$202.40
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AC508-300-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC508-300-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 300.0 mm, Ø2" Achromatic Doublet, SM2-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$202.40
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AC508-400-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC508-400-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 400.0 mm, Ø2" Achromatic Doublet, SM2-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$202.40
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AC508-500-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC508-500-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 500.0 mm, Ø2" Achromatic Doublet, SM2-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$202.40
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AC508-600-AB-ML Support Documentation
AC508-600-AB-MLCustomer Inspired! f = 600.0 mm, Ø2" Achromatic Doublet, SM2-Threaded Mount, ARC: 400 - 1100 nm
$202.40
Today