What's it about?

An asphere is an optic that deviates from the spherical form and is defined by the polynomial equation shown in Figure 1. While spherical lenses have long been used because of optical properties that make them easier to manufacture and measure, aspheres can significantly reduce the number of elements, and therefore size and weight of an optical system, as well as many aberrations inherent to spherical lens systems. Optimax is working with industrial partners and researchers to develop manufacturing technology for improving both fabrication and metrology of aspheres. The specifications to which a lens is manufactured are only as good as the metrology available. It is helpful to consider the method of metrology that will be used before setting the tolerances on a lens.