Products Home / Optical Elements / Optical Lenses / Spherical Singlet Lenses / Plano-Convex Spherical Lenses / CaF2 Plano-Convex Spherical Lenses / Calcium Fluoride Plano-Convex Lenses, UncoatedCalcium Fluoride Plano-Convex Lenses, Uncoated
- Uncoated for the 0.18 - 8.0 µm Wavelength Range
- Choose from Ø1/2", Ø1", or Ø2"
- Ideal for Use with Excimer Lasers
LA5042
(Ø1")
LA5183
(Ø1/2")
LA5210
(Ø2")
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| Key Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Material | Vacuum-Grade Calcium Fluoridea |
| Wavelength Range | 0.18 - 8.0 μm |
| Diameter Tolerance | +0.0 mm / -0.1 mm |
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
| Focal Length Tolerance | ±1% |
| Surface Quality | 40-20 Scratch-Dig |
| Surface Flatness (Plano Side) | λ/2 |
| Spherical Surface Powerb (Convex Side) | 3λ/2 |
| Surface Irregularity (Peak to Valley) | λ/2 |
| Centration | <3 arcmin |
| Clear Aperture | >90% of Diameter |
| Design Wavelength | 588 nm |
 Zemax Files |
|---|
| Click on the red Document icon next to the item numbers below to access the Zemax file download. Our entire Zemax Catalog is also available. |
Features
- Vacuum-Grade Calcium Fluoride Substrate
- Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" Versions Available
- Uncoated for the 0.18 - 8.0 µm Wavelength Range
- Focal Lengths from 20.0 mm to 1000.0 mm
Thorlabs Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" Uncoated Calcium Fluoride (CaF2) Plano-Convex Lenses offer high transmission from 0.18 µm to 8.0 μm. See the Graphs tab for detailed information about the transmission of CaF2. We also offer CaF2 plano-convex lenses with antireflection coatings for either the 1.65 µm to 3.0 µm or 2 µm to 5 µm wavelength range.
CaF2 is commonly used for applications requiring high transmission in the infrared and ultraviolet spectral ranges. Its extremely high laser damage threshold allows it to be used with excimer lasers. The material exhibits a low refractive index, varying from 1.35 to 1.51 within its usage range of 180 nm to 8.0 μm. Calcium fluoride is also fairly chemically inert and offers superior hardness compared to its barium fluoride, magnesium fluoride, and lithium fluoride cousins.
Plano-Convex lenses have a positive focal length and approach best form for infinite and finite conjugate applications. These lenses focus a collimated beam to the back focus and collimate light from a point source. They are designed with minimal spherical aberration and have a focal length which can be calculated using a simplified thick lens equation:
f = R/(n-1)
where n is the index of refraction and R is the radius of curvature of the lens surface.
Usage:
To minimize the introduction of spherical aberrations, light should be bent gradually as it propagates through the lens. Therefore, when using a plano-convex lens to focus a collimated light source, the collimated light should be incident on the curved surface. Similarly, when collimating a point source of light, the diverging light rays should be incident on the planar surface of the lens.
| Selection Guide |
|---|
| Calcium Fluoride Lenses |
| Other MIR Lenses |
| Other Spherical Singlets |
Substrate Transmission
Below is the transmission curve for CaF2. Total Transmission is shown for a 10 mm thick, uncoated sample and includes surface reflections. Each of these unmounted CaF2 plano-convex lenses can be ordered uncoated or with either of the following broadband AR coatings: 1.65 - 3.0 μm (Designated with -D) or 2 - 5 μm (Designated as -E).
Wavelength-Dependent Focal Length Shift
The paraxial focal length of a lens is wavelength dependent. The focal length listed below for a given lens corresponds to the value at the design wavelength (i.e., the focal length at 588 nm). Since CaF2 offers high transmission from 0.18 - 8.0 µm, users may wish to use these lenses at other popular wavelengths. Click on the graph icons below to view theoretically-calculated focal length shifts.
Ø1/2" Plano-Convex CaF2 Lenses, Uncoated
Ø1" Plano-Convex CaF2 Lenses, Uncoated
| Item # | LA5370 | LA5763 | LA5042 | LA5817 | LA5012 | LA5714 | LA5255 | LA5464 | LA5956 | LA5835 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length @ 588 nm | 40.0 mm | 50.0 mm | 75.0 mm | 100.0 mm | 150.0 mm | 200.0 mm | 250.0 mm | 500.0 mm | 750.0 mm | 1000.0 mm |
| Focal Length Shift (Click for Details) |
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| Raw Data (Click to Download) |
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| Recommended Mounting Options for Thorlabs Lenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø2 mm to Ø10 mm Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| (Various) | Fixed Lens Mounts and Mini-Series Fixed Lens Mounts for Small Optics, Ø5 mm to Ø10 mm | |
| (Various) | Small Optic Adapters for Use with Standard Fixed Lens Mounts, Ø2 mm to Ø10 mm | |
| Item # | Mounts for Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR05 | LMR05/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| MLH05 | MLH05/M | Mini-Series Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| LM05XY | LM05XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| SCP05 | 16 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø1/2" Optics | |
| (Various) | Ø1/2" Lens Tubes, Optional SM05RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR1 | LMR1/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics |
| LM1XY | LM1XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics |
| ST1XY-S | ST1XY-S/M | Translating Lens Mount with Micrometer Drives (Other Drives Available) |
| CXY1A | 30 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø1" Optics | |
| (Various) | Ø1" Lens Tubes, Optional SM1RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Mount for Ø1.5" Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR1.5 | LMR1.5/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1.5" Optics |
| (Various) | Ø1.5" Lens Tubes, Optional SM1.5RR Retaining Ring for Ø1.5" Lens Tubes and Mounts |
|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR2 | LMR2/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø2" Optics |
| LM2XY | LM2XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø2" Optics |
| CXY2 | 60 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø2" Optics |
|
| (Various) | Ø2" Lens Tubes, Optional SM2RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Adjustable Optic Mounts | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LH1 | LH1/M | Adjustable Mount for Ø0.28" (Ø7.1 mm) to Ø1.80" (Ø45.7 mm) Optics |
| LH2 | LH2/M | Adjustable Mount for Ø0.77" (Ø19.6 mm) to Ø2.28" (Ø57.9 mm) Optics |
| VG100 | VG100/M | Adjustable Clamp for Ø0.5" (Ø13 mm) to Ø3.5" (Ø89 mm) Optics |
| SCL03 | SCL03/M | Self-Centering Mount for Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm) Optics |
| SCL04 | SCL04/M | Self-Centering Mount for Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø3.00" (Ø76.2 mm) Optics |
| LH160C | LH160C/M | Adjustable Mount for 60 mm Cage Systems, Ø0.50" (Ø13 mm) to Ø2.00" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics |
| SCL60CA | SCL60C/M | Self-Centering Mount for 60 mm Cage Systems, Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm) Optics |
Mounting High-Curvature Optics
Thorlabs' retaining rings are used to secure unmounted optics within lens tubes or optic mounts. These rings are secured in position using a compatible spanner wrench. For flat or low-curvature optics, standard retaining rings manufactured from anodized aluminum are available from Ø5 mm to Ø4". For high-curvature optics, extra-thick retaining rings are available in Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" sizes.
Extra-thick retaining rings offer several features that aid in mounting high-curvature optics such as aspheric lenses, short-focal-length plano-convex lenses, and condenser lenses. As shown in the animation to the right, the guide flange of the spanner wrench will collide with the surface of high-curvature lenses when using a standard retaining ring, potentially scratching the optic. This contact also creates a gap between the spanner wrench and retaining ring, preventing the ring from tightening correctly. Extra-thick retaining rings provide the necessary clearance for the spanner wrench to secure the lens without coming into contact with the optic surface.
| Posted Comments: | |
user
(posted 2022-08-10 12:42:29.783) Is the crytal orientation of your CaF2-lenses defined?
i.e. ist the optical axis parallel to the 111 orientation? cdolbashian
(posted 2022-08-25 08:34:24.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. The crystal orientation of CaF2 lenses is usually randomly oriented. Custom optics with specified crystal orientations can be provided if desired. Custom optics can be requested by emailing your local Thorlabs Tech Support group (in your case, Europe@thorlabs.com) Tetsuya Sugata
(posted 2022-02-15 18:01:56.89) ソーラボジャパン株式会社 担当者様
いつもお世話になっております。
レーザーテック 管田と申します。
御社で取り扱っているフッ化カルシウム平凸レンズはHPを見る限り全てノーコートになっていますが、ARコートして頂くことは可能でしょうか。
よろしくお願いします。
管田 cdolbashian
(posted 2022-02-16 09:38:32.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We also offer -D coated and -E coated CaF2 lenses, which can be found here: https://www.thorlabs.co.jp/navigation.cfm?guide_id=2243. If you would like other AR coating types, the custom optics can be requested by contacting your local Thorlabs Tech Support team (in your case, techsupport.jp@thorlabs.com). Pedro Mecê
(posted 2021-03-24 06:35:35.477) Hi, I would like to know if it is possible to have a B AR coating for LA5025 and LC5749.
Thanks,
Pedro YLohia
(posted 2021-03-25 10:53:37.0) Hello, custom optics can be requested by contacting your local Thorlabs Tech Support team (in your case, techsupport.fr@thorlabs.com). We will contact your directly to discuss this further. tcohen
(posted 2012-11-13 14:55:00.0) Response from Tim at Thorlabs: Thank you for your suggestion! We are continually introducing new optics to our catalog. We will discuss this so that we can look to add larger CaF2 lenses as a future customer inspired product. user
(posted 2012-11-06 17:40:54.897) It would be great if you also sold 2" diameter CaF2 lenses. bdada
(posted 2011-10-25 15:34:00.0) Response from Buki at Thorlabs:
Thank you for using our Web Feedback tool. The beam waist is a function of the wavelength and focusing angle of the lens. You can use the following equation:
beam waist = lambda/(pi x focusing angle (in radians))
We have contacted you to discuss this further and assist you in calculating the beam waist. deibel
(posted 2011-10-25 13:22:34.0) Hello,
I need to know how big the beam waist is (is the beam waist of a bi-convex lens smaller, same focal length). Especially for 2,94um. I need different focal lengths (75mm; 100mm; 150mm; 200mm) of CaF2-lenses. Is there some data on beam waists?
Thank you very much. Thorlabs
(posted 2010-06-23 10:44:19.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to yan.ying: We have the capability to manufacture a wide variety of custom optics, including CaF2 lenses.In order to check for a possible solution for this custom lens, we would require a complete design description (e.g. ZEMAX design file). I will contact you directly to discuss the details. yan.ying
(posted 2010-06-23 10:12:06.0) Hi, I am interested in a CaF2 plano-convex lens with 300mm focal length and 25.4mm diameter. Do you have this? If it is a custom order how long time will it take for manufacturing?
Thank you in advance. |
| Item # | Diameter | Focal Length | Dioptera | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessb | Back Focal Lengthc | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA5315 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | 20.0 mm | +50.0 | 8.7 mm | 4.3 mm | 1.5 mm | 17.0 mm |  |
| LA5025 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | 25.0 mm | +40.0 | 10.9 mm | 4.1 mm | 2.0 mm | 22.2 mm | |
| LA5030 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | 30.0 mm | +33.3 | 13.0 mm | 3.7 mm | 2.0 mm | 27.5 mm | |
| LA5040 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | 40.0 mm | +25.0 | 17.4 mm | 3.2 mm | 2.0 mm | 37.8 mm | |
| LA5183 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | 50.0 mm | +20.0 | 21.7 mm | 2.5 mm | 1.5 mm | 48.3 mm | |
| LA5458 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | 80.0 mm | +12.5 | 34.7 mm | 2.1 mm | 1.5 mm | 78.6 mm | |
| LA5010 | 1/2" (12.7 mm) | 100.0 mm | +10.0 | 43.4 mm | 2.5 mm | 2.0 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Item # | Diameter | Focal Length | Dioptera | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessb | Back Focal Lengthc | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA5370 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 40.0 mm | +25.0 | 17.4 mm | 7.5 mm | 2.0 mm | 34.7 mm | |
| LA5763 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 50.0 mm | +20.0 | 21.7 mm | 6.1 mm | 2.0 mm | 45.7 mm | |
| LA5042 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 75.0 mm | +13.3 | 32.5 mm | 4.6 mm | 2.0 mm | 71.8 mm | |
| LA5817 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 100.0 mm | +10.0 | 43.4 mm | 3.9 mm | 2.0 mm | 97.3 mm | |
| LA5012 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 150.0 mm | +6.7 | 65.1 mm | 3.3 mm | 2.0 mm | 147.7 mm | |
| LA5714 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 200.0 mm | +5.0 | 86.8 mm | 2.9 mm | 2.0 mm | 198.0 mm | |
| LA5255 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 250.0 mm | +4.0 | 108.5 mm | 2.7 mm | 2.0 mm | 248.0 mm | |
| LA5464 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 500.0 mm | +2.0 | 216.9 mm | 2.4 mm | 2.0 mm | 498.4 mm | |
| LA5956 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 750.1 mm | +1.3 | 325.4 mm | 2.2 mm | 2.0 mm | 748.5 mm | |
| LA5835 | 1" (25.4 mm) | 1000.0 mm | +1.0 | 433.9 mm | 2.2 mm | 2.0 mm | 998.6 mm |
| Item # | Diameter | Focal Length | Dioptera | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessb | Back Focal Lengthc | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA5210 | 2" (50.8 mm) | 100.0 mm | +10.0 | 43.4 mm | 11.2 mm | 3.0 mm | 92.9 mm | |
| LA5215 | 2" (50.8 mm) | 150.0 mm | +6.7 | 65.1 mm | 8.2 mm | 3.0 mm | 144.3 mm | |
| LA5220 | 2" (50.8 mm) | 200.0 mm | +5.0 | 86.8 mm | 6.8 mm | 3.0 mm | 196.0 mm | |
| LA5230 | 2" (50.8 mm) | 300.0 mm | +3.3 | 130.2 mm | 5.5 mm | 3.0 mm | 296.9 mm | |
| LA5250 | 2" (50.8 mm) | 500.0 mm | +2.0 | 216.9 mm | 4.5 mm | 3.0 mm | 497.6 mm | |
| LA5200 | 2" (50.8 mm) | 1000.0 mm | +1.0 | 433.8 mm | 3.7 mm | 3.0 mm | 998.1 mm |
 CaF2, Plano-Convex |