Fly's Eye Homogenizers


  • Turns Round Collimated Input Beam into a Rectangular Output Area
  • Two Continuously Adjustable, Rectangular Output Size Ranges
  • Built-In Rotation Mount to Set Orientation of Output

FLE1

40 mm Working Distance, Uncoated

FLE21

95 mm Working Distance, 420 - 700 nm AR Coating

Application Idea

FLE2 Fly's Eye Homogenizer Mounted on an SM2TC Clamp, Projecting a Rectangular Output on an EDU-VS1 Screen

Related Items


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40 mm WD Fly's Eye Homogenizer
Click for Details

The 40 mm working distance fly's eye homogenizers have an externally SM1-threaded output. The input is internally SM05-threaded and externally SM1-threaded.
Diagram of Fly's Eye HomogenizerClick to Enlarge
A simple diagram of the homogenizer operation is shown above. Decreasing the distance of the two MLAs will increase the size of the rectangle and increasing the distance will make the rectangular area smaller.
95 mm WD Fly's Eye Homogenizer
Click for Details

The 95 mm working distance fly's eye homogenizers have an externally SM2-threaded output. The input is internally SM05-threaded and externally SM1-threaded.

Features

  • Two Ranges of Rectangular Output Sizes Available:
    • 2.9 mm x 4.0 mm to 11.4 mm x 16.0 mm
    • 6.4 mm x 9.0 mm to 25.7 mm x 36.0 mm
  • Offered Uncoated or Broadband AR Coated:
    • Uncoated for 350 - 1600 nm
    • AR Coated for 420 - 700 nm
    • AR Coated for 650 - 1050 nm
  • Beam Size Adjustment Ring Includes Engraved Scale
  • Built-In Rotation Mount to Set the Orientation of the Rectangular Output
  • Beam Size Adjustment Ring and Rotation Mount can be Locked with Included Hex Key
  • SM Threads at Input and Output for Easy Integration into Optical Systems

Thorlabs' Fly’s Eye Homogenizers transform a collimated round input beam into a rectangular output beam with a top-hat intensity distribution. The size of the output can be varied from 2.9 mm x 4.0 mm to 11.4 mm x 16.0 mm for the FLE1(x) homogenizers or from 6.4 mm x 9.0 mm to 25.7 mm x 36.0 mm for the FLE2(x) homogenizers.

The FLE1 and FLE2 Uncoated Fly’s Eye Homogenizers have an operating wavelength range of 350 to 1600 nm. Alternatively, to reduce surface reflections, the homogenizers are also offered with broadband antireflection (BBAR) coatings that provide <0.8% average reflectance per optic surface from 420 to 700 nm (Item #s FLE11 and FLE21) or 650 to 1050 nm (Item #s FLE12 and FLE22).

These homogenizers are composed of two polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microlens arrays (MLAs) and a positive focal length lens. PMMA MLAs are excellent for homogenizing and shaping light into a rectangular output as well as filtering out UV light (see the PMMA transmission graph in the Specs tab). The actual size of the output can be adjusted by changing the distance between the two MLAs, accomplished by rotating the red ring on the homogenizer housing (visible in the photos to the right). Decreasing the distance will increase the size of the rectangle and increasing the distance will make the output rectangle smaller. A diagram illustrating the operating principle of these homogenizers is shown above. Once the desired rectangular size is obtained, the ring can be locked by tightening the locking screws using the included 0.05" hex key. The scale of the ring is engraved with increments from the smallest to the largest rectangular size.

To adjust the orientation of the rectangular output, the back portion of the housing can be rotated while the front SM1- or SM2-threaded portion of the homogenizer is fixed (click here for details). This built-in rotation mount can be locked with a locking screw using the included 0.05" hex key.

Mounting Options
All of these Fly's Eye Homogenizers have a smooth mounting surface with the same 1.2" outer diameter as our Ø1" lens tubes, providing compatibility with post mounting accessories such as the SM1RC(/M) Ø1" Lens Tube Slip Ring and SM1TC Ø1" Lens Tube Clamp and 30 mm cage system mounting accessories such as the CP36 Cage Plate (available below). The FLE2(x) homogenizers also have a Ø2.2 mm section of the housing at the output that is the same diameter as our Ø2" lens tubes, allowing them to be post mounted using the SM2RC(/M) Ø2" Lens Tube Slip Ring or SM2TC Ø2" Lens Tube Clamp or integrated directly with a 60 mm cage system using the LCP36 Cage Plate (available below). Please note that using the mounting surface at the output of the FLE1(x) homogenizer housing or in the middle portion the FLE2(x) homogenizer housing will block access to the rotation locking setscrew.

Other optomechanical and optical components, such as lens tubes, additional lenses, and filters, can be installed along the optical axis of each homogenizer using the threads at the input and output. The inputs of all of the homogenizers feature external SM1 threads and internal SM05 threads. The outputs of the FLE1(x) homogenizers are also externally SM1 threaded. Each FLE2(x) homogenizer output has external SM2 threads. Note that the input and output threads will rotate relative to each other when using the built-in output orientation adjustment.

The FLE2(x) Fly’s Eye Homogenizers can be used with a mounted LED and a collimation adapter to provide a uniform input into an Olympus, Zeiss, or Nikon microscope. We offer the SM2A7, SM2A8, SM2A10, or SM2A18 SM2-threaded port adapters to integrate the homogenizer on to the microscope.

Item # FLE1 FLE11 FLE12 FLE2 FLE21 FLE22
Working Distancea 40 mm 95 mm
Output Beam Sizeb 2.9 mm x 4.0 mm - 11.4 mm x 16.0 mm 6.4 mm x 9.0 mm - 25.7 mm x 36.0 mm
Input Beam Diameter 2 mm - 9 mm
Microlens Array Used MLA1 MLA11 MLA12 MLA1 MLA11 MLA12
Microlens Array Substrate
(Click for Transmission Plot)
PMMA
Operating Wavelength Range
(Click for Plot)
350 - 1600 nm
(Uncoated)
420 - 700 nm
(AR Coating)
650 - 1050 nm
(AR Coating)
350 - 1600 nm
(Uncoated)
420 - 700 nmm
(AR Coating)
650 - 1050 nm
(AR Coating)
Reflectance (Average)c - <0.8%, 0° AOI <0.8%, 0° AOI - <0.8%, 0° AOI <0.8%, 0° AOI
Input Thread Internal: SM05 (0.535"-40)
External: SM1 (1.035"-40)
Output Thread External SM1 (1.035"-40) External SM2 (2.035"-40)
Housing Dimensions
Input Housing Diameter 30.5 mm (1.20")d
Output Housing Diameter 30.5 mm (1.20")d 55.9 mm (2.20")e
Housing Length 52.3 mm (2.06") 107.2 mm (4.22")
Mounting Optionsf SM1RC(/M), SM1TC, CP36, SM2A21 SM1RC(/M), SM1TC, CP36, SM2RC(/M), SM2TC, LCP36, SM2A21
  • Measured from the Back of the Mounting Threads on the Housing Output
  • At the Working Distance
  • Per Optic Surface
  • This is the same diameter as our SM1-Threaded Lens Tubes. See below for recommended mounting options.
  • This is the same diameter as our SM2-Threaded Lens Tubes. See below for recommended mounting options.
  • The options in this row are available below. The homogenizers can also be integrated with various threaded components using our thread adapters.
Fly's Eye Homogenizer Setup
Click to Enlarge
The FLE1 Fly's Eye Homogenizer can be used to transform a round Gaussian collimated beam into a homogenous illuminated rectangular area.

A fly's eye homogenizer, composed of two microlens arrays (MLAs) and a positive focal length lens, transforms a round collimated beam with a Gaussian profile into a homogenous illuminated rectangular area. The size of the rectangular output can be controlled by the red ring on the device.

The application photo to the right shows a configuration using an FLE1 fly's eye homogenizer mounted in a CP33(/M) 30 mm cage plate. The light source is a PL201 compact laser module fixed in an AD11F SM1-threaded adapter. An SM1T1 coupler attaches the laser module to the input side of the FLE1 homogenizer. Alternatively, other light sources can be used such as a fiber-coupled LED connected to a collimator or mounted LED with a collimation adapter. The light passes through the fly's eye homogenizer to produce a rectangular 8.6 mm x 12.0 mm output on an EDU-VS1(/M) screen, as seen in the photo to the right.

Please note that the homogenous illuminated rectangular area is an image of the first MLA, meaning the rectangle is sharply defined only at a certain working distance from the homogenizer. The actual size of the rectangle can be adjusted by turning the red Beam Size Adjustment ring of the homogenizer, which changes the distance between the two MLAs. Decreasing the distance will increase the size of the rectangle and increasing the distance will make the rectangle smaller.

Item #QtyDescription
Imperial Product List
PL2011Compact Laser Module with USB Connector, 520 nm, 0.9 mW (Typ.)
AD11F1SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø11 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components
SM1T11SM1 (1.035"-40) Coupler, Internal Threads
FLE11Fly's Eye Homogenizer, Uncoated: 350 - 1600 nm, WD = 40 mm
CP331SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, 8-32 Tap
UPH22Ø1/2" Universal Post Holder, Spring Loaded Locking Thumbscrew, L = 2"
TR22Ø1/2" Optical Post, SS, 8-32 Setscrew, 1/4"-20 Tap, L = 2"
SH25S07511/4"-20 Stainless Steel Cap Screw, 3/4" Long, 25 Pack
W25S05011/4" Washer, M6 Compatible, Stainless Steel, 100 Pack
EDU-VS11Post-Mountable White Polystyrene Viewing Screen, 5.91" x 5.91"
View Metric Product List
Item #QtyDescription
Metric Product List
PL2011Compact Laser Module with USB Connector, 520 nm, 0.9 mW (Typ.)
AD11F1SM1-Threaded Adapter for Ø11 mm, ≥0.35" (8.9 mm) Long Cylindrical Components
SM1T11SM1 (1.035"-40) Coupler, Internal Threads
FLE11Fly's Eye Homogenizer, Uncoated: 350 - 1600 nm, WD = 40 mm
CP33/M1SM1-Threaded 30 mm Cage Plate, 0.35" Thick, 2 Retaining Rings, M4 Tap
UPH50/M2Ø12.7 mm Universal Post Holder, Spring-Loaded Locking Thumbscrew, L = 50 mm
TR50/M2Ø12.7 mm Optical Post, SS, M4 Setscrew, M6 Tap, L = 50 mm
SH6MS201M6 x 1.0 Stainless Steel Cap Screw, 20 mm Long, 25 Pack
W25S05011/4" Washer, M6 Compatible, Stainless Steel, 100 Pack
EDU-VS1/M1Post-Mountable White Polystyrene Viewing Screen, 150 mm x 150 mm

Posted Comments:
Gyeongwon Lee  (posted 2023-11-30 12:57:12.267)
Hello. Could I get the spatial profile after passing through the homogenizer?
fnero  (posted 2023-12-04 03:06:04.0)
Thank you for reaching out. The Zemax files for the Fly's Eye Homogenizers can be downloaded from the website and there it is possible to simulate this. For further help, you are welcome to reach out to techsupport.se@thorlabs.com.
user  (posted 2023-11-24 12:53:21.73)
Hello, could you provide safe temperature range where no damage to the component will occur, estimate is also fine. Thank you.
mkarlsson  (posted 2023-11-29 01:22:21.0)
Thank you for your question! The operation temperature range is likely limited by the PMMA microlens array. Below 70°C I believe you would be safe.
user  (posted 2023-10-05 15:14:56.25)
Hello, I have a similar question with a posted comment. I would like to maintain the collimation of the squre beam profile about a meter long. Woud it be possible? Thank you.
jeklof  (posted 2023-10-11 02:56:57.0)
Thank you for your inquiry. Unfortunately with the Fly’s Eye principle it is not practicable to get a sharp homogeneous rectangle in 1m distance.
user  (posted 2023-09-27 10:40:44.11)
Hello, we recently bought your FLE22, and we like what it does, but it doesn't fit properly to our needs. Basically the focal distance is too short for our application. I saw that you are selling the same microlens arrays separately, and we were thinking if we could build a cage system, with those arrays and different optics / lenses to expand the focal point to meet our needs. Basically the distance should be approx 250mm vs. 95mm which the FLE22 is providing. also, with such a cage set up we see that we could integrate additional components. Could you please contact me and let me and provide support in the design , if possible? thanks
fnero  (posted 2023-09-28 09:39:25.0)
Thank you for your interest in our microlens arrays. We have contacted you directly to discuss your application.
user  (posted 2023-05-02 08:06:31.613)
Is the imaging lens removable? Is it possible to replace it with other lenses?
tberg  (posted 2023-05-03 04:01:22.0)
Thanks for contacting Thorlabs! No, the front lens of our current line of Fly's Eye Homogenizers is not removeable. I have reached out to you directly to discuss your application.
user  (posted 2023-04-08 22:06:38.217)
Can the output beam be collimated while maintaining the same top-hat profile as the one observed at the system's working distance?
fnero  (posted 2023-04-12 10:54:37.0)
Thank you for your question. Outside the focal plane of the focusing lens the sharp edges of the homogenous area becomes blurry. We have contacted you directly to discuss your application in detail.
user  (posted 2023-04-08 21:54:50.8)
Would it be possible to get some graphs of the spatial profile of the output beam? How efficient is the system in generating the top-hat profile and how the profile differs from the Engineered Diffusers? Thank you.
fnero  (posted 2023-04-12 10:53:01.0)
Thank you for contacting us. We provide Zemax files on the web for these components where you can analyse the beam profile. We have reached out to you to further discuss your application.
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40 mm Working Distance Fly's Eye Homogenizers

Item # Output Beam Size Input Beam Diameter Microlens Array Used Operating Wavelength Range
(Click for Plot)
Reflectance
(Average)a
Input Thread Output Thread
(External)
FLE1 2.9 mm x 4.0 mm -
11.4 mm x 16.0 mm
2 mm - 9 mm MLA1 350 - 1600 nm (Uncoated) - Internal: SM05
External: SM1
SM1
FLE11 MLA11 420 - 700 nm (AR Coating) <0.8%, 0° AOI
FLE12 MLA12 650 - 1050 nm (AR Coating) <0.8%, 0° AOI
  • Per Optic Surface
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
FLE1 Support Documentation
FLE1Fly's Eye Homogenizer, Uncoated: 350 - 1600 nm, WD = 40 mm
$696.15
Today
FLE11 Support Documentation
FLE11Fly's Eye Homogenizer, AR Coated: 420 - 700 nm, WD = 40 mm
$803.25
Today
FLE12 Support Documentation
FLE12Fly's Eye Homogenizer, AR Coated: 650 - 1050 nm, WD = 40 mm
$803.25
Lead Time
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95 mm Working Distance Fly's Eye Homogenizers

Item # Output Beam Size Input Beam Diameter Microlens Array Used Operating Wavelength Range
(Click for Plot)
Reflectance
(Average)a
Input Thread Output Thread
(External)
FLE2 6.4 mm x 9.0 mm -
25.7 mm x 36.0 mm
2 mm - 9 mm MLA1 350 - 1600 nm (Uncoated) - Internal: SM05
External: SM1
SM2
FLE21 MLA11 420 - 700 nm (AR Coating) <0.8%, 0° AOI
FLE22 MLA12 650 - 1050 nm (AR Coating) <0.8%, 0° AOI
  • Per Optic Surface
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
FLE2 Support Documentation
FLE2Fly's Eye Homogenizer, Uncoated: 350 - 1600 nm, WD = 95 mm
$813.96
Today
FLE21 Support Documentation
FLE21Fly's Eye Homogenizer, AR Coated: 420 - 700 nm, WD = 95 mm
$910.35
Today
FLE22 Support Documentation
FLE22Fly's Eye Homogenizer, AR Coated: 650 - 1050 nm, WD = 95 mm
$953.19
Today
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Mounting Accessories

Several mounting options for the Fly's Eye Homogenizers are provided in the table below. For our complete selection of thread adapters, see our Optical Component Thread Adapters selection guide.

Item # SM1RC(/M) SM2RC(/M) SM1TC SM2TC CP36 LCP36 SM2A21
Photo
(Click to Enlarge)
SM1RC SM2RC SM1TC SM2TC CP36 LCP36 SM2A21
Application Slip Ring for Post Mounting Clamp for Post Mounting 30 mm Cage Mount for Ø1.2" Housing 60 mm Cage Mount for Ø2.2" Housing Mount Fly's Eye Homogenizer in Ø2"
or SM2-Threaded
Optic Mounts
Compatible Fly's Eye Homogenizers
(Item # Prefix)
FLE1
FLE2
FLE2 FLE1
FLE2
FLE2 FLE1
FLE2a
FLE2 FLE1
FLE2
Internal Bore /
Threads
Ø1.2" Bore Ø2.2" Bore Ø1.2" Bore Ø2.2" Bore Ø1.2" Bore Ø2.2" Bore Ø1.2" Bore
External Threads / Outer Diameter - - - - - - SM2 Threads and
Ø2" Smooth Surface
Mounting Holes 8-32 (M4) Tap #8 (M4) Counterbore Compatible with
30 mm Cage Systems
Compatible with
60 mm Cage Systems
-
  • The output of these homogenizers will not fit inside of a 30 mm cage system. The CP36 can be used to mount these homogenizers if they are being used at the termination of a section of cage system, i.e., the cage rods only extend over the Ø1.2" section of the housing. If the entire homogenizer needs to be enclosed in the cage system, mount the Ø2.2" section of the housing directly using an LCP36 cage plate for integration into a 60 mm cage system.
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Imperial Price Available
SM1RC Support Documentation
SM1RCSlip Ring for SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes,
8-32 Tap
$27.56
Today
SM2RC Support Documentation
SM2RCSlip Ring for SM2 Lens Tubes, 8-32 Tap
$35.05
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
SM1TC Support Documentation
SM1TCClamp for SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes
$50.18
Today
SM2TC Support Documentation
SM2TCClamp for SM2 Lens Tubes
$55.38
Today
CP36 Support Documentation
CP3630 mm Cage Plate, Ø1.2" Double Bore for SM1 and C-Mount Lens Tubes
$24.23
Today
LCP36 Support Documentation
LCP36Customer Inspired! 60 mm Cage Plate with Ø2.2" (Ø56.0 mm) Double Bore for SM2 Lens Tube Mounting
$50.18
Today
SM2A21 Support Documentation
SM2A21Externally SM2-Threaded Mounting Adapter with Ø1.20" (Ø30.5 mm) Bore and 2" Outer Diameter
$53.75
Today
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Metric Price Available
SM1RC/M Support Documentation
SM1RC/MSlip Ring for SM1 Lens Tubes and C-Mount Extension Tubes,
M4 Tap
$27.56
Today
SM2RC/M Support Documentation
SM2RC/MSlip Ring for SM2 Lens Tubes, M4 Tap
$35.05
Today