Manufacturing Processes and Core Technologies of Aspheric Lenses
Aspheric lenses, as the term implies, depart from a perfect spherical geometry and are characterized by a more intricate geometric shape. In comparison with conventional spherical lenses, they provide superior correction of optical aberrations, thereby improving imaging performance and enabling reductions in both the size and weight of optical systems. As a result, aspheric lenses have become increasingly essential components in modern optical design and are extensively utilized in advanced applications, including laser processing, medical imaging, aerospace engineering, and virtual reality technologies.
Nevertheless, the fabrication of aspheric lenses is a challenging process. The intricate surface configurations impose stringent demands on the precision and quality of the processing. The present article will provide a comprehensive overview of the technological process and key technologies associated with the processing of aspheric lenses, thereby facilitating a comprehensive understanding of them.
- The processing technology flow of aspheric lenses
- Material selection and preparation
The appropriate lens material should be selected according to the specific application requirements, including options such as optical glass, crystal, or plastic. The material is then cut, ground and polished to form a preliminary lens blank.
- Aspheric surface forming
This is the core step in the processing of aspheric lenses, with the aim of shaping the lens blank into the required aspheric form. Molten glass or plastic is injected into a mold. Following a cooling process, an aspheric lens is formed. The surface of the lens is ground and polished using a CNC grinding machine and a polishing machine. It is suitable for processing large-sized and high-precision aspheric lenses.
- Surface coating
According to the application requirements, the lens surface is coated with either anti-reflection, reflective or other functional films to improve its optical performance.
- Detection and testing
It is essential to use various optical inspection instruments to test the properties of the lens, including surface shape, surface accuracy, surface roughness, and optical performance, to ensure that it meets the design requirements.
- Key technologies for aspheric lens processing
- Ultra-precision machining technology
The processing accuracy of aspheric lenses is typically required to reach the sub-micron or even nanometer level, necessitating the implementation of ultra-precision processing equipment and techniques.
- CNC technology
The complex surface shapes of aspheric lenses require precise control through numerical control technology to ensure stability and repeatability in the processing.
- Online detection technology
During the processing, real-time detection of the lens surface is carried out, and processing parameters are adjusted in a timely manner to improve processing efficiency and the yield of finished products.
- Surface treatment technology
The surface quality and optical performance of the lens are improved through surface treatment techniques such as polishing and coating.
