Ge Aspheric Lens

Shanghai Optics Inc. has the capability of producing both visible wavelength range Aspherical lenses and IR Aspherical lenses. We are equipped with an Optotech CNC controlled precision polishing machine, our glass Aspherical lens manufacturing services have helped customers with different application requests to build their prototypes for system integration approval purpose with rapid lead time.

Our typical prototyping service

Customer with a Complete Design – Shanghai Optics will custom manufacture the Aspheric lens according to the customer’s design requirements.
Customer with Detailed Technical Requirements but No Design – Shanghai Optics engineers will study the customer’s specific technical requirements. Using Zemax lens design software, we will develop the Asphere lens design. Once we receive the customer’s approval, we proceed with prototype manufacturing.
Customer with Neither Design nor Specific Requirement but with a Sample of an Aspheric Component for Reverse Engineering – Our reverse engineering method includes a mapping process, testing, and measurement to extract crucial specifications, followed by redesign and optimization to achieve identical optical performance.

Volume production service

At Shanghai Optics, aspherical production has been enhanced richly due to our advanced spherical polishing and engineer experience. We have over 5000 test plates which guarantee a rich radius bank where we could build your desired aspherical profiles on with a short turn over period.
Our glass inventory supports all CDGM materials available in the market. Additionally, Shanghai Optics Inc. has reliable and convenient access to both Schott and Ohara’s inventory, enabling a wide selection of glass options for our customers and designers.

Our in-house metrology and coating capabilities provide cutting-edge measurement systems that cater to all volume needs, ensuring appropriate arrangements to meet your product release schedules. Shanghai Optics Inc. has invested in two single diamond turning devices from Ametec over the years, enhancing our IR Aspherical lens processing capabilities. We process IR Aspherical substrates on Satisloh shaping & polishing machines, securing a reliable spherical foundation. The spherical shape is tested before moving to Single Point Diamond Turning (SDPT) for further manufacturing. Unlike conventional spherical shape preparation, Satisloh machinery provides time-saving advantages by eliminating the need for extra grinding and polishing tools, thus reducing costs and preparation time for our customers.

Infrared Germanium Aspheric Lenses

Our infrared (IR) Aspheric lenses, including Germanium (Ge) lenses, are designed to deliver superior optical performance in the IR spectrum. These lenses leverage the unique properties of Germanium and precision aspheric design to correct various optical aberrations such as spherical aberration, coma, and astigmatism, ensuring enhanced image quality and reduced distortions. This makes them ideal for applications that demand high precision.

Material Characteristics of Germanium: Germanium’s high refractive index in the IR range allows for fewer lens elements, leading to lighter weight and improved performance. It exhibits excellent transmission properties from 2 µm to 14 µm, making it ideal for capturing data in both thermal and near-infrared regions. The thermal stability of Germanium enables these lenses to operate reliably in varying temperatures, suitable for environments with extreme conditions.

Applications of Infrared Germanium Aspheric Lenses

Thermal Imaging and Surveillance: Ideal for thermal imaging cameras, these lenses are essential in security, defense, and law enforcement applications for detecting and capturing heat signatures.
Remote Sensing: Useful in environmental monitoring, agriculture, and geological studies, these lenses enable high-resolution and precise remote sensing measurements.
Infrared Spectroscopy: They play a vital role in analyzing absorption, emission, or reflection of IR light by different materials, aiding research, pharmaceuticals, and material analysis.
Automotive Industry: Utilized in thermal cameras for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), these lenses help enhance safety and situational awareness.

Shanghai Optics Inc. has also accumulated many years of IR Aspherical lens processing capability. Through the years, Shanghai Optics Inc. invested two single diamond turning devices both from Ametec. We process IR Aspherical substrates on Satisloh shaping & polishing machine to secure a
reliable spherical foundation and have the spherical shape tested before moving to SDPT for further manufacturing. Unlike conventional spherical shape preparation for Aspherical lenses, Satisloh machinery gives Shanghai Optics Inc. time saving advantage where no need to prepare extra grinding and polishing toolings, turns into cost effectiveness and rapid preparation timing for customers’ good.

We have been offering ZnSe, Ge, Si, ZnS, GaAs, Zerodur Aspherical lenses diameter ranging from 3mm up to 4inch, with full capability of SWIR/MWIR/LWLR AR coatings and special DLC coating services. Our Aspherical products are becoming a reliable resource for customers from surveillance, defense, IR imaging, and spectral research industries.

Factory Standard – Contact us for manufacturing limit or custom specifications

Substrate Material: Germanium
Focal Length: +/- 1%
Surface Quality: 20-10 (after coating)
Surface Figure: λ/2 @ 633nm
Clear Aperture: >85% of central dimension
Antireflection Coating: Effective in the 3-12 µm range
Diameter Range: From 3mm to 4 inches
Coatings: Full capability of SWIR/MWIR/LWIR AR coatings and special DLC coating services

Shanghai Optics Inc. offers a wide range of IR Aspherical lenses, including Infrared Germanium Aspheric Lenses, which combine advanced material properties and precision design to support high-performance imaging, sensing, and spectroscopy in various industries. Our commitment to innovation and excellence makes us a reliable partner for customers in surveillance, defense, IR imaging, and spectral research industries. Contact us today to explore our manufacturing capabilities and discuss your specific requirements.