Uniqueness: Hyperaspheres are independent of a conic constant and aspheric coefficients. Standard optical software requires pre-defined optical surfaces. In contrast Hyperaspherical surfaces are a dynamic consequence of pre-defined wavefronts – key to advanced (and adaptive devices) fabrication.
Free Software: Bentec offers free software both generally and related to specific projects regarding aspheric lens design and manufacture of polymer optics. If you have an application in mind, we would be delighted to illustrate the optical system with perhaps, a view to manufacturing the optical devices related to the project. Niche markets and highly confidential exclusive partnerships are our interests in conjunction with the development of enabling technologies.
Information: The programs on this web site have been written in the Visual Basic 6 programming language and illustrate nth order Multiplexed Hyperaspherical optical surfaces – free of a conic constant and aspheric polynomials. These surfaces provide the initial design process with automatic and immediate results and serve to remove many of the complexities of aspherical surface design. The techniques employed are unique to the optical design process and permit nth order surfaces to roam according to initial specifications of centre thickness, refractive index and back focal length. Non-spherical (or spherical) wavefronts may be imposed between surfaces. Fermat’s principle provides the glue that holds these surfaces together regarding functionality. Any number of nth-order aspherical surfaces may be simultaneously combined, (multiplexed), where each maintains its relative integrity – but it is rarely necessary to employ more than two of these surfaces within a system of standard spheroidal or conicoidal surfaces.
Aspherization /Refurbishment): In the mid-infrared and far-infrared it is often possible to improve performance or reduce optical elements.
Hyperaspherical lenses: Unlike conventional spherical lenses, can refract light at large angles without introducing spherical aberration – thus a single hyperasphere can perform the same function as a compound lens system – for use anywhere you might otherwise use a microscope objective. Generally, hyperaspheres are less bulky and especially useful for coupling light to optical fiber as well as collimating diode lasers. Hyperaspheres do not rely upon a conic constant or pre-selected refracting surfaces and steer (or focus) non-spherical wavefronts.
Hybrid lenses: One may improve or alter the optical function of a conventional glass lens using a drop of UV photo polymer and moulding die. For wavelengths between 400 and 1600nm the process is simple and applicable where the cost of a diamond machined die is cost-effective.
Advantages: Highest quality optics are achieved with lens surfaces created by casting processes.
Very stable manufacturing process – few, precise process variables;
Long life, high precision die;
Minimum internally-induced mechanical or thermal stresses;
Range of refractive indices;
Excellent overall transmission – (1 to 300 µm) polymer layer upon glass substrate;
High homogeneity, low birefringence;
Fresnel structure, Mirror and Grating applications;
Multiple optical functions may be combined;
Correction of laser diode astigmatism using a thin cylindrical layer on the flat side of a glass convex-plano lens;
On Demand Cure – only cures on exposure to UV light;
No Solvents – 100% Solids – no mixing, no waste, no disposal of waste, no cleaning of mixing containers, no problems with pot life of mixed materials;
Readily adapted into existing processes; Automated Handling, Dispensing and Curing can be employed to improve production efficiency and thus reduce costs.
Materials suitable for diamond machining:
Metals: Aluminium Alloys(1100, 2011, 2017, 2024, 5086, 5186, 6061, 7051); Copper(OFHC); Brass; Tin; Silver; Gold; Zinc; Nickel (electroless and electrolytic plating); Magnesium
Polymers: Acrylic; Nylon; Polycarbonate; Polystyrene; Polysulfane; Acetal; Fluoroplastic
Crystals: Germanium; Zinc Selenide; Zinc Sulfide; Lithium Niobate; Cesium Iodide; Potassium-Dihydrogen-Phosphate; Silicon; Potassium Bromide; Gallium Arsenide; AMTIR
Materials Not suitable:
Ferrous metals and Optical glass both cause graphitization – a chemical reaction in the presents of oxygen between the diamond and carbon – which rapidly destroys the cutting edge of the diamond tool. Monocrystalline diamond is the only material which can provide a tool edge radius less than 50 nm and a cutting edge without notches. The reasons for tool wear in diamond turning of steel alloys are not fully understood.
Contact Information:
Telephone: 1 – (250) 493-3343: Fax:1 – (250) 493-3945
Postal Address: Suite #202, 250 Scott Ave., Penticton, B.C., Canada, V2A 2J5
General Information: BentecHyperOptics