Definition of lens blank

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Photonics Dictionary

lens blank: A lens blank is a piece of optical material in a raw, unfinished state, typically in the form of a disk or block, from which lenses are eventually fabricated. Lens blanks are made from various materials such as glass, plastic, or specialized optical materials like polycarbonate or acrylic.

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Here are some key points about lens blanks:

Material selection: The choice of material for a lens blank depends on the desired optical properties, application requirements, and fabrication process. Glass lens blanks are commonly used for high-quality optical lenses, while plastic lens blanks are more cost-effective and lighter in weight.

Shape and size: Lens blanks come in various shapes and sizes, including round, rectangular, and irregular shapes, depending on the intended use and fabrication method. The size of the lens blank typically corresponds to the diameter and thickness of the final lens.

Surface quality: The surface quality of a lens blank refers to its smoothness, flatness, and absence of defects such as scratches, pits, or bubbles. Higher-quality lens blanks have smoother surfaces and fewer imperfections, which contribute to better optical performance in the finished lens.

Coatings: Some lens blanks may come with specialized coatings applied to their surfaces to enhance their optical properties, such as anti-reflective coatings to minimize glare or scratch-resistant coatings to improve durability.

Optical parameters: Lens blanks may be manufactured with specific optical parameters such as curvature, refractive index, and Abbe number tailored to meet the requirements of the intended lens design and application.

Fabrication process: Lens blanks undergo further processing and shaping through grinding, polishing, and coating steps to produce the final optical lenses. The fabrication process depends on factors such as the material type, lens design, and desired optical performance.

Customization: Lens blanks can be customized to meet specific requirements, including non-standard shapes, sizes, and optical properties. Customized lens blanks may be used in specialized applications or to achieve unique optical designs.

Lens blanks serve as the starting point for the manufacturing of various types of optical lenses used in applications such as eyewear, cameras, microscopes, telescopes, projectors, and laser systems. The quality and properties of the lens blank significantly influence the optical performance and durability of the final lens product.

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