Mar. 10, 2026
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Cylindrical lenses are less common than spherical lenses, yet they play a crucial role in many photonics and optical applications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you understand their structure and function.
A cylindrical lens is an optical lens in which at least one surface is shaped as a segment of a cylinder. Unlike spherical lenses, which are defined by a fixed center of curvature and radius, cylindrical lenses have surfaces that curve along a central axis while maintaining a constant radius of curvature.
Cylindrical lenses, like other lenses, are classified based on the shape of their optical surfaces. The curvature along a single axis defines their focusing properties, while the overall outer shape of the lens can vary, typically being either round or square.
| Cylindrical lens type | Detail |
|---|---|
| PCV – Plano-concave lens | one flat surface and a concave cylindrical surface. Focus light on one line. |
| PCX – Plano-convex cy | one flat surface and a concave cylindrical surface. Expend the light in one direction. |
| Biconvex | both sides with convex cylindrical shape (can be of different radius of curvature) |
| Biconcave | both sides with concave cylindrical shape (can be of different radius of curvature) |
| Doublet | Achromatic cylindrical lens. |
Whether you need a standard design or a custom solution, our team can provide detailed guidance to help you select the right cylindrical lens for your application.
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Cylindrical lenses can be manufactured from a variety of optical materials depending on the application and wavelength requirements. Commonly used materials include:
· Optical Glass: BK7, H-K9L, B270 sourced from Schott, Corning, Ohara, or CDGM
· Fused Silica: JGS1, JGS2, Corning 7980
· Infrared (IR) Materials: Germanium (Ge), Silicon (Si), Magnesium Fluoride (MgF₂), Calcium Fluoride (CaF₂)
· Other Materials: Sapphire, optical-grade plastics
Cylindrical lenses are primarily used to focus incoming light into a one-dimensional line. Their unique focusing property makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
· Laser Scanning – shaping the scan signal into a precise line
· Machine Vision & Quality Control – concentrating illumination along a single axis
· Metrology – accurate measurement of dimensions and surfaces
· Ophthalmology – specialized optical corrections and diagnostics
· Defense & Security – optical systems requiring line-focused illumination
· Sensors – enhancing detection and signal collection
· Lighting – line-shaped illumination for industrial or architectural use
Polishing a cylindrical lens differs from traditional spherical lens polishing. Instead of using rotational polishing machines, cylindrical lenses require specialized equipment that moves back and forth along a single direction.
To ensure a high-quality optical surface, specific polishing tooling and pads are used, tailored to the cylindrical curvature. This process guarantees smooth surfaces, minimal defects, and precise focusing performance.
The primary difference lies in how the lenses focus light. Spherical lenses converge light to a single point, while cylindrical lenses focus light along a one-dimensional line.
Spherical lenses are symmetric around a central rotational axis, so their orientation does not affect optical performance. Cylindrical lenses, on the other hand, are asymmetric along one axis, meaning their rotation angle directly impacts the optical system. As a result, assembly and alignment of cylindrical lenses require additional attention to maintain proper functionality.
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