CaF2 (Calcium Fluoride) plano-convex cylindrical lenses are specialized optical components manufactured from high-purity calcium fluoride single crystals. Featuring one flat surface and one cylindrical convex surface, these lenses focus or expand light in a single dimension only, offering exceptionally wide broadband transmission from the ultraviolet (UV) through the visible and into the infrared (IR) spectrum with minimal wavefront aberration.

Technical Applications & Industrial Use Cases

Due to their wide transmission window, low refractive index dispersion, and high resistance to laser-induced damage, CaF2 plano-convex cylindrical lenses are essential across precision optical systems:

  • Laser Line Generation: Used to shape point laser sources into uniform line beams for machine vision, laser scanning, and material processing.
  • Anamorphic Beam Shaping: Deployed in optical systems to correct astigmatism or adjust the aspect ratio of diode laser outputs.
  • Thermal Imaging & Spectroscopy: Utilized in multi-spectral optical assemblies, FTIR spectrometers, and infrared detectors operating in the 3 to 5 micrometer infrared band.

Key Specifications & Performance Advantages

  • Material: High-purity Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) single crystal optimized for broad-band transmission.
  • Design Wavelength: Calibrated for precision performance at 587.6 nm with strict focal length tolerance.
  • Surface Quality: High-precision 60-40 scratch-dig with tight centration tolerance (< 3 arcmin) and protective chamfers.
  • Coating Options: Available uncoated or featuring specialized low-absorption infrared anti-reflective (IR1) coatings (average reflectance < 1.5% across 3 to 5 micrometers) to maximize throughput.

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