What is a Plano Convex Lens?
A plano convex lens is a type of converging lens with one flat surface and one outward-curved (convex) surface. This design allows the lens to focus parallel light rays to a single focal point. Plano convex lenses are ideal for applications requiring light collimation, focusing, or beam convergence.
Plano Convex Lens – Key Specifications
| Property | Specification Range |
|---|---|
| Material | BK7, Fused Silica, Sapphire, Germanium, CaF₂, ZnSe |
| Diameter | 6 mm – 100 mm (customizable) |
| Diameter Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Center Thickness Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Surface Quality | 40-20, 20-10 scratch-dig |
| Coating | Uncoated, AR, BBAR, UV/VIS/IR |
| Focal Length Tolerance | ±2% |
| Surface Accuracy | λ/4, λ/10 |
📌 Note: A standard plano convex lens with a 6 cm diameter is available in stock.
Plano Convex Lens Uses
- Laser Focusing and Beam Collimation
- Imaging and Projection Systems
- Microscopy and Endoscopy Devices
- Industrial Measurement Equipment
- LED Light Collimation and Illumination Systems
Plano Convex Lens Ray Diagram
A ray diagram shows how light rays entering the convex surface of a plano convex lens converge at a focal point after refraction. This makes it perfect for focusing collimated beams or converting point sources into parallel beams.
Image: Plano Convex Lens Ray Diagram – Converging light to a focal point
Focal Length of Plano Convex Lens – Formula
The focal length fff of a plano convex lens can be calculated using the lensmaker’s formula: f=R(n−1)f = \frac{R}{(n – 1)}f=(n−1)R
Where:
- fff = focal length
- RRR = radius of curvature of the convex surface
- nnn = refractive index of the lens material
🔍 Example: For a lens with radius of curvature = 30 mm and n = 1.5 f=301.5−1=60 mmf = \frac{30}{1.5 – 1} = 60 \, \text{mm}f=1.5−130=60mm
Plano Convex Lens vs Biconvex Lens
| Feature | Plano Convex Lens | Biconvex Lens |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Shape | 1 flat, 1 convex | 2 convex surfaces |
| Beam Behavior | Ideal for collimated beams | Symmetrical beam focusing |
| Spherical Aberration | Less on collimated side | Balanced on both sides |
| Application Preference | Laser systems, collimation | Imaging, magnification |
Plano Convex Lens Price
Pricing depends on material, diameter, coating, and quantity. Here’s a general pricing table for reference:
| Diameter (mm) | Material | Uncoated Price (USD) | AR Coated Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.7 mm | BK7 | $5 – $10 | $8 – $15 |
| 25.4 mm | BK7 | $10 – $20 | $15 – $30 |
| 50.8 mm | BK7 | $25 – $45 | $35 – $60 |
| 75 mm | Ge, ZnSe | $100 – $200 | $130 – $250 |
🛒 Contact us for bulk order discounts or custom designs.
FAQs – Plano Convex Lens
Q1: What does “plano convex lens means”?
A: It refers to a lens with one flat (plano) and one outward-curved (convex) surface. It is used to converge or focus light.
Q2: Can you explain “a plano convex lens fits exactly”?
A: This phrase often describes a scenario in optics problems where the lens fits perfectly into a holder or system, impacting its performance and alignment.
Q3: What’s the difference between a plano convex and a concavo-convex lens?
A: A concavo-convex lens has one inward-curved (concave) and one outward-curved (convex) surface. Unlike a plano convex lens, it may act as a diverging or converging lens depending on the curvature and material.
Q4: How do I calculate the power of a plano concave lens?
A: Power PPP (in diopters) is calculated as: P=1f (in meters)P = \frac{1}{f \text{ (in meters)}}P=f (in meters)1
For plano concave lenses, the focal length is negative, so the power is also negative (diverging lens).
Q5: What is the image formed by a plano convex lens?
A: The image can be real and inverted or virtual and upright depending on the object position. It’s commonly used to form real images on sensors or film in cameras.
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Why Choose Us for Plano Convex Lenses?
- ✔ Custom sizes, coatings & materials
- ✔ Fast prototyping & mass production
- ✔ Singapore-based export compliance
- ✔ Engineering support for optical design
Contact Us
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🌐 www.bote.com.sg