Ball Lens
Ball Lenses are precision full-sphere lenses with a single continuous curved surface, providing short focal length and symmetric focusing for fiber coupling, beam collimation and imaging applications. Chenyu Optics manufactures ball lenses in BK7, fused silica, optical glass and infrared materials, with custom diameter, surface quality and coating according to customer drawings.
Ball Lens Overview
Ball Lenses are precision full-sphere lenses with a single continuous curved surface, providing short focal length and symmetric focusing for fiber coupling, beam focusing and imaging applications.
Compared with conventional plano or biconvex lens geometries, the full-sphere design of a ball lens gives orientation-independent optical performance and a very short focal length relative to its diameter, making it suitable for compact fiber-optic and sensor coupling applications.
Chenyu Optics supports custom ball lens manufacturing according to customer drawings, including custom material, diameter, surface quality and coating for prototype and repeat production.
Key Advantages of Ball Lens
Fiber Coupling, Sensing & Imaging Systems
Ball lenses are widely used in fiber-optic coupling, laser diode collimation, endoscopic and sensor systems, machine vision and scientific instruments requiring compact focusing elements.
Typical Specifications of Ball Lens
| Material Options | BK7, Fused Silica, optical glass, and infrared materials as applicable |
|---|---|
| Coating Options | Uncoated, broadband AR, laser AR, UV AR, IR AR, custom coating |
| Optical Function | Short focal length focusing / fiber coupling |
| Focal Length | Determined by diameter and material index; custom per drawing |
| Surface Accuracy | Up to λ/10 @ 633 nm |
| Surface Quality | 20-10, 40-20 scratch-dig |
| Dimensions | Custom diameter available |
| Edge/Surface Finish | Full-sphere polish, no flat reference surface |
Optical Path Diagram
Why Choose Chenyu Optics for Ball Lens
Chenyu Optics focuses on drawing-based precision lens manufacturing for laser, imaging and machine vision optical systems. We support prototype verification, small-batch production and repeat manufacturing for non-standard ball lenses.
Manufacturing Capability for Ball Lens
Precision Grinding & Polishing
Controlled grinding and polishing of the full-sphere surface for diameter accuracy, surface quality and optical performance.
AR Coating
Broadband, laser, UV or IR AR coatings selected according to wavelength and application requirements.
Inspection & Packaging
Dimensional inspection, sphericity verification, optical performance checking and clean protective packaging before shipment.
Custom Manufacturing Options for Ball Lens
Geometry & Dimensions
Diameter and sphericity tolerance can be manufactured according to customer drawings and optical system requirements.
Surface & Optical Quality
Surface accuracy and surface quality can be selected according to fiber coupling or imaging application requirements.
Coating Selection
Uncoated, broadband AR, laser AR, UV AR or IR AR coatings can be specified according to the operating wavelength and application environment.
Ball Lens Material Comparison
| BK7 | Fused Silica | Infrared Materials | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Properties | Standard optical glass with good transmission across the visible range | Excellent UV transmission and high laser damage threshold | Transmission extends into the infrared spectral range |
| Thermal / Mechanical Notes | Moderate thermal expansion, cost-effective for general use | Low thermal expansion, good thermal shock resistance | Material selected according to target IR band and mechanical requirements |
| Typical Use | General fiber coupling, visible-range optical systems | UV and high-power laser coupling systems | Infrared sensing and fiber coupling systems |
| Selection Note | Preferred for standard visible-range coupling and cost-sensitive applications | Preferred when UV transmission or high laser damage threshold is required | Preferred when operation in the infrared spectral range is required |
Applications of Ball Lens
Laser Systems
Beam collimation and focusing optics for laser diode and fiber-coupled systems.
Imaging Systems
Compact focusing elements for imaging and endoscopic optics.
Beam Shaping
Ball lenses for beam focusing and coupling applications.
Machine Vision
Compact focusing components for machine vision and sensing systems.
Scientific Instruments
Precision optical components for laboratory and research instruments.
Optical Systems Integration
Custom ball lenses for OEM fiber-optic and sensor assemblies.
Ball Lens FAQ
What is a ball lens?
A ball lens is a full-sphere precision lens with a single continuous curved surface, providing a short focal length and symmetric focusing performance.
Which materials are available for ball lenses?
Common materials include BK7, fused silica, optical glass, and infrared materials, selected according to the operating wavelength.
Are ball lenses suitable for fiber-optic applications?
Yes. Ball lenses are commonly used for fiber-to-fiber and fiber-to-laser-diode coupling due to their short focal length and compact size.
Can ball lens coatings be customized?
Yes. Coating options include uncoated, broadband AR, laser AR, UV AR, IR AR and custom coatings according to wavelength range and application.
What information should I provide for a quotation?
Please provide material, diameter, sphericity tolerance, coating type, surface quality, surface accuracy, quantity and drawing if available.
Where can I learn more about ball lenses and coatings?
Additional information on ball lenses and AR coatings can be found from Edmund Optics.
Need Custom Ball Lenses?
Send us your drawing, material, diameter and coating requirements. Chenyu Optics will review the optical specifications and provide a suitable ball lens manufacturing suggestion.