The term “optical components” refers to a range of parts and products used to build optical systems. These components include precision optical components such as spherical, aspheric and cylindrical lenses, mirrors, prisms, filters, and mechanical mounts that help guide or focus the beam. Designing and manufacturing optical components is a complex task. Our factory has rich experience in optical lens production and provides excellent after-sales service.
At mokoptics, we specialize in the design, fabrication and testing of complex optical and optomechanical components. With our design and custom manufacturing capabilities, we have the knowledge, skills and tools to tackle the most challenging projects. Later in this article, we will also talk about the importance of optical components and design teams.
Design Engineering Considerations for Optical Components
By partnering with a reputable optical and opto-mechanical solutions provider like mokoptics, OEM instrument developers can receive guidance from concept to production. Our design engineering team can assist in transforming new ideas into complete and manufacturable designs and optimizing existing designs to better match required application parameters.
We need the following design process:
Prototype production: Prototype design can make changes and innovations in the original process, thereby further improving product performance and manufacturability.
Testing and Validation of Products: The testing and validation phase ensures that the finished components meet customer specifications before shipment.
Product process improvement: After delivery, we can also provide after-sales service, and will continue to improve production methods according to customer needs to more effectively meet subsequent orders.
Design engineering classification
When discussing optical solutions, the design engineering process can be divided into two sub-disciplines:
Opto-mechanical: Opto-mechanical engineering involves the assembly operations of integrating optical elements (such as lenses, mirrors, prisms and filters) into mechanical structures (such as mounting units and housings). Examples of optomechanical components include imaging objectives, tube lenses, laser optics assemblies, and filter and mirror assemblies.
Optoelectronics: Optoelectronics engineering involves integrating electronic hardware such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) or sensors into optical assemblies. Examples of optoelectronic components include machine vision inspection systems or night vision imaging systems.
When designing optics, the type of lens used is an important consideration. Here are the different types of lenses available and their characteristics:
Spherical lenses: Spherical lenses are the most commonly used lenses in optical system design. They have convex or concave surfaces as well as planar (flat) or curved surfaces. Plano-concave spherical lenses have a negative focal length, which causes the incident light to diverge, forming a virtual image. Plano-convex spherical lenses have positive focal length and focus light rays to produce a focused real image or a magnified virtual image.
At mokoptics, we have the necessary equipment such as large-scale surface polishing machines, CNC spherical grinders and spherical polishing machines to meet large-volume orders for spherical and flat lenses. These lenses can be integrated into optical assemblies or provided as separate components.
Aspherical lenses: Aspherical lenses have an aspherical shape with a radius of curvature that gradually changes from center to edge. If properly chosen, aspheric lenses can reduce the number of individual components required and eliminate common problems associated with using spherical lenses.
In summary, optical components play a vital role in optical system design, and working with an experienced design engineering team is crucial. At mokoptics, we have the expertise and capabilities to assist in the design, manufacturing and testing of complex optical and opto-mechanical components. Whether you need spherical lenses or specialized aspheric lenses, we can provide custom solutions to speed your selection.
