UV Fused Silica Positive Meniscus Lenses, Uncoated


  • Increases the NA of Lens Systems
  • Frequently Used for Beam Focusing Applications
  • Minimizes the Increase in Spherical Aberrations for
    Multi-Element Systems

LE4412

(Ø2")

LE4173

(Ø1")

LE4484

(Ø1")

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Type Uncoateda
Lens Shape Positive Meniscus
Diameters Available 1" or 2"
Diameter Tolerance +0.00 mm / -0.10 mm
Substrate Material UV Grade Fused Silicab
Wavelength Range 185 nm - 2.1 μm
Transmission TInternal ≥ 88%/cm @ 185 nm
Focal Length Tolerance ±1%
Surface Quality 40-20 Scratch-Dig
Clear Aperture >90% of Dia.
Design Wavelength 588 nm (n = 1.460)
Index of Refraction
(@ Design λ)
1.460
Centration ≤3 arcmin
  • Also Available UV AR-Coated
  • Click Link for Detailed Specifications on the Substrate

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

  • Choose from Ø1" or Ø2" Versions
  • Wavelength Range: 185 nm - 2.1 μm (uncoated)
  • Focal Lengths Available from 100.0 - 1000.0 mm
  • Fabricated from UV Grade Fused Silica
  • Spherical Surface Power: 3 Fringes
  • Spherical Surface Irregularity: λ/4

Thorlabs' UV Grade Fused Silica Positive Meniscus Lenses are available either uncoated or with a UV antireflection coating for the 245 - 400 nm range deposited on both surfaces. Compared to N-BK7, UV-grade fused silica offers high transmission deeper into the UV (down to 185 nm), better homogeneity, and a lower coefficient of thermal expansion. In addition, UV fused silica exhibits virtually no laser-induced fluorescence (as measured at 193 nm), making it an ideal choice for applications from the UV to the near IR.

Positive meniscus (convex-concave) lenses, which are thicker in the middle than at the edges and cause light rays to converge, are designed to minimize third-order spherical aberration. They are often used in conjunction with other lenses to decrease the focal length, and therefore increase the numerical aperture (NA), of an optical assembly. When used to focus a collimated beam, as shown in the diagram above, the convex side of the lens should face the source to minimze spherical aberration. Since a positive meniscus lens has a greater radius of curvature on the concave side of the lens than on the convex side, real images can be formed.

Thorlabs offers their negative meniscus lenses in Ø1 and Ø2" versions. Each size is compatible with a multitude of Thorlabs lens mounts. Please see the Mounting Options tab for details.

Optic Cleaning Tutorial
Lens Tutorial
Optical Coatings and Substrates
Quick Links to Other Spherical Singlets
Plano-Convex Bi-Convex Best Form Plano-Concave Bi-Concave Positive Meniscus Negative Meniscus

Below is the transmission curve for a 10 mm thick uncoated sample of UV fused silica when the incident ilght is normal to the surface. Please note that this is the measured transmission, including surface reflections.

UVFS TransmissionClick to Enlarge
Click Here for Raw Data

Using Positive Meniscus Lenses

  • Achieve Tighter Focusing by Combining a Meniscus Lens with Plano-Convex Lenses
  • Build Multi-Element Lens Systems to Achieve Higher NA without Significant Increases in Aberrations

Positive meniscus lenses are designed to minimize spherical aberration. They have one convex and one concave surface. When used in combination with another lens, a positive meniscus lens will shorten the focal length and increase the NA of the system. Figure 1c shows a meniscus lens being used to shorten the focal length of a 100 mm focal length plano-convex lens. In addition, the transverse and lateral aberrations are greatly reduced. The convex surface of both lenses should be facing away from the image.

Figure 1. These figures illustrate the performance gains that can be achieved by using multi-element imaging systems. The combination of a meniscus lens and a plano-convex lens yields a 21 µm focused spot versus a 240 µm spot from the single plano-convex lens.

CXY1A in 30 mm Cage System
Click to Enlarge

CXY1A Translation Mount and
SM1 Lens Tube Mounted in a
30 mm Cage System
Threaded Mounting Adapter
Click to Enlarge

Ø1" Optic Mounted in a
ST1XY-S XY Translator

Click to Enlarge

LMR1 Fixed Mount with Ø1" Lens

Click to Enlarge

LM2XY Translating Mount with Ø2" Lens
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)
CXY1A 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
SCL60CA 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.


Posted Comments:
Alfonso Suances  (posted 2021-05-10 03:03:59.303)
Hello. I'm an engineering student from the University of Vigo (Spain) and I was interested in recieving information about the Damage Threshold of your UV Fused Silica Positive Meniscus Lenses as we are developing a laser head for a project. Please, contact us as soon as posible. Sincerely, Alfonso,
YLohia  (posted 2021-05-12 11:03:47.0)
Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Unfortunately, we have not yet obtained conclusive damage threshold test data on these uncoated optics.
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Ø1" (25.4 mm) UV Fused Silica Positive Meniscus Lenses, Uncoated

Item # Diameter Focal
Length
Dioptera Radius of
Curvature 1
Radius of
Curvature 2
Center
Thickness
Edge
Thicknessb
Back Focal
Lengthc
Reference
Drawing
LE4173 1" 100.0 mm +10.0 31.0 mm 91.2 mm 4.0 mm 2.2 mm 95.9 mm Positive Meniscus Lens Drawing
LE4197 1" 150.0 mm +6.7 47.6 mm 149.8 mm 3.2 mm 2.0 mm 146.8 mm
LE4467 1" 200.0 mm +5.0 64.2 mm 209.8 mm 2.9 mm 2.0 mm 197.2 mm
LE4329 1" 300.0 mm +3.3 97.6 mm 330.6 mm 2.6 mm 2.0 mm 297.5 mm
LE4484 1" 500.0 mm +2.0 166.8 mm 603.4 mm 2.4 mm 2.0 mm 497.8 mm
LE4950 1" 1000.0 mm +1.0 348.0 mm 1425.7 mm 2.2 mm 2.0 mm 998.0 mm

Suggested Fixed Lens Mount: LMR1(/M)

  • Reciprocal of the Focal Length in Meters
  • Edge Thickness Given Before 0.2 mm at 45° Typical Chamfer
  • Measured at the Design Wavelength, 588 nm
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LE4173 Support Documentation
LE4173Ø1" UV Fused Silica, Positive Meniscus Lens, f = 100.0 mm, Uncoated
$106.31
Today
LE4197 Support Documentation
LE4197Ø1" UV Fused Silica, Positive Meniscus Lens, f = 150.0 mm, Uncoated
$105.13
Today
LE4467 Support Documentation
LE4467Ø1" UV Fused Silica, Positive Meniscus Lens, f = 200.0 mm, Uncoated
$104.53
Today
LE4329 Support Documentation
LE4329Ø1" UV Fused Silica, Positive Meniscus Lens, f = 300.0 mm, Uncoated
$104.53
Today
LE4484 Support Documentation
LE4484Ø1" UV Fused Silica, Positive Meniscus Lens, f = 500.0 mm, Uncoated
$101.87
Today
LE4950 Support Documentation
LE4950Ø1" UV Fused Silica, Positive Meniscus Lens, f = 1000.0 mm, Uncoated
$101.56
Today
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Ø2" (50.8 mm) UV Fused Silica Positive Meniscus Lenses, Uncoated

Item # Diameter Focal
Length
Dioptera Radius of
Curvature 1
Radius of
Curvature 2
Center
Thickness
Edge
Thicknessb
Back Focal
Lengthc
Reference
Drawing
LE4412 2" 100.0 mm +10.0 30.6 mm 80.9 mm 10.7 mm 1.2 mm 89.0 mm Positive Meniscus Lens Drawing
LE4125 2" 150.0 mm +6.7 46.5 mm 135.3 mm 7.8 mm 2.7 mm 142.0 mm
LE4560 2" 200.0 mm +5.0 63.0 mm 193.4 mm 6.6 mm 2.9 mm 193.4 mm
LE4984 2" 300.0 mm +3.3 97.6 mm 327.6 mm 5.4 mm 3.0 mm 294.8 mm
LE4150 2" 500.0 mm +2.0 165.4 mm 582.2 mm 5.0 mm 3.6 mm 495.2 mm
LE4822 2" 1000.0 mm +1.0 356.7 mm 1580.2 mm 5.0 mm 4.3 mm 995.6 mm

Suggested Fixed Lens Mount: LMR2(/M)

  • Reciprocal of the Focal Length in Meters
  • Edge Thickness Given Before 0.2 mm at 45° Typical Chamfer
  • Measured at the Design Wavelength, 588 nm
Based on your currency / country selection, your order will ship from Newton, New Jersey  
+1 Qty Docs Part Number - Universal Price Available
LE4412 Support Documentation
LE4412Ø2" UV Fused Silica, + Meniscus Lens, f = 100.0 mm, Uncoated
$413.40
Lead Time
LE4125 Support Documentation
LE4125Ø2" UV Fused Silica, + Meniscus Lens, f = 150.0 mm, Uncoated
$371.83
Today
LE4560 Support Documentation
LE4560Ø2" UV Fused Silica, + Meniscus Lens, f = 200.0 mm, Uncoated
$357.56
Today
LE4984 Support Documentation
LE4984Ø2" UV Fused Silica, + Meniscus Lens, f = 300.0 mm, Uncoated
$343.31
Today
LE4150 Support Documentation
LE4150Ø2" UV Fused Silica, + Meniscus Lens, f = 500.0 mm, Uncoated
$343.31
Today
LE4822 Support Documentation
LE4822Ø2" UV Fused Silica, + Meniscus Lens, f = 1000.0 mm, Uncoated
$335.00
Today