Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
Plano Convex Lenses (PCX) are precision spherical lenses with one flat surface and one convex surface, providing positive focal length for light focusing, collimation and imaging applications. As a precision plano convex lens manufacturer, Chenyu Optics produces custom plano convex lenses in BK7 optical glass, fused silica, sapphire and infrared materials, with focal length, diameter, surface quality and coating manufactured to customer drawings, supporting both prototype verification and volume OEM production.
Plano Convex Lens (PCX) Overview
Plano Convex Lenses (PCX) are precision spherical lenses with one plano (flat) surface and one convex surface, providing a positive focal length for focusing collimated light, imaging and beam shaping applications.
Compared with other lens geometries, plano convex lenses offer a simple, cost-effective design suitable for focusing collimated light and general-purpose imaging where moderate aberration performance is acceptable. For OEM optical buyers, key selection factors include material choice for the operating wavelength, focal length customization, surface quality and tolerance control, and AR coating selection for the application environment.
Chenyu Optics, as a precision plano convex lens manufacturer, supports custom lens production according to customer drawings, including custom material, focal length, diameter, thickness, surface quality and coating for prototype verification and repeat OEM production.
Key Advantages of Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
Imaging, Beam Shaping & Laser Systems
Plano convex lenses are widely used in laser systems, imaging optics, beam shaping assemblies, machine vision systems and scientific instruments requiring reliable focusing performance.
Typical Specifications of Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
| Material Options | BK7 optical glass, fused silica (JGS1/JGS2), sapphire, and infrared materials (ZnSe/ZnS/Ge) as applicable |
|---|---|
| Coating Options | Uncoated, broadband AR, laser AR, UV AR, IR AR, custom coating |
| Optical Function | Light focusing / positive focal length lens |
| Focal Length Range | Custom, according to customer drawing |
| Diameter Range | Custom, according to customer drawing |
| Thickness Range | Custom, according to customer drawing |
| Center Thickness | Custom, according to lens design and drawing |
| Surface Accuracy | Up to λ/10 @ 633 nm |
| Surface Quality | 20-10, 40-20 scratch-dig |
| Clear Aperture | ≥85%, ≥90% or per customer drawing |
| Edge Treatment | Ground, chamfered or polished |
Lens Geometry + Focusing
Why Choose Chenyu Optics for Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
Chenyu Optics focuses on drawing-based precision lens manufacturing for laser focusing, imaging and machine vision optical systems. As a custom plano convex lens manufacturer, we support prototype verification, small-batch production and repeat OEM manufacturing for non-standard plano convex lenses.
Manufacturing Capability for Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
Precision Grinding & Polishing
Controlled grinding and polishing of spherical surfaces for focal length 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, focal length verification, optical performance checking and clean protective packaging before shipment.
Custom Manufacturing Options for Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
Geometry & Dimensions
Diameter, thickness, focal length and edge treatment can be manufactured according to customer drawings and optical system requirements.
Surface & Optical Quality
Surface accuracy and surface quality can be selected according to imaging or laser 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.
Plano Convex Lens (PCX) Material Comparison
| BK7 Optical Glass | Fused Silica (JGS1/JGS2) | Sapphire | Infrared Materials (ZnSe/ZnS/Ge) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Properties | Standard optical glass with good transmission across the visible range | Excellent UV transmission and high laser damage threshold | Wide transmission from UV to mid-IR with very high hardness | 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 | Very hard and chemically durable, excellent resistance to harsh environments | Material selected according to target IR band and mechanical requirements |
| Typical Use | General imaging, visible-range optical systems | UV and high-power laser systems | Harsh-environment optics, protective and high-durability lens applications | Infrared imaging and thermal sensing systems |
| Selection Note | Preferred for standard visible-range imaging and cost-sensitive applications | Preferred when UV transmission or high laser damage threshold is required | Preferred when mechanical hardness and environmental durability are priorities | Preferred when operation in the infrared spectral range is required |
Applications of Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
Laser Systems
Laser focusing lens and beam shaping optics for laser system design.
Imaging Systems
Precision imaging optical lens components for general-purpose imaging optics.
Beam Shaping
Plano convex lenses for beam expansion and focusing applications.
Machine Vision
Reliable focusing components for machine vision and inspection systems.
Scientific Instruments
Precision optical components for laboratory and research instruments.
Optical Systems Integration
Custom lenses for OEM optical system assemblies.
Plano Convex Lens (PCX) FAQ
What is a plano convex lens?
A plano convex lens (PCX) has one flat surface and one convex surface, providing a positive focal length for focusing and imaging applications.
What is a plano convex lens used for?
Plano convex lenses are commonly used for focusing collimated light, general-purpose imaging, laser beam focusing and beam shaping, and as focusing or condensing elements in machine vision and scientific instrument systems.
How to choose a plano convex lens?
Selecting a plano convex lens typically involves defining the required focal length, diameter and material for the operating wavelength, then specifying surface quality, surface accuracy and coating according to the imaging or laser performance needed. Tolerance and mounting requirements should also be confirmed with the manufacturer based on the optical system design.
Which materials are available for plano convex lenses?
Common materials include BK7, fused silica, optical glass, and infrared materials, selected according to the operating wavelength.
What materials are available for PCX lenses?
PCX lenses can be manufactured in BK7 optical glass, fused silica (JGS1/JGS2), sapphire and infrared materials such as ZnSe, ZnS or germanium, selected according to the operating wavelength range and application environment.
Are plano convex lenses suitable for laser applications?
Yes. Depending on material and coating selection, plano convex lenses can be used in laser focusing and beam shaping systems.
Can plano convex 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.
Can Chenyu Optics provide custom plano convex lenses?
Yes. As a precision optical lens manufacturer, Chenyu Optics produces custom plano convex lenses to customer drawings, supporting prototype verification, small-batch production and repeat OEM manufacturing with custom material, focal length, diameter and coating selection.
What information should I provide for a quotation?
Please provide material, diameter, thickness, focal length, coating type, surface quality, surface accuracy, quantity and drawing if available.
Where can I learn more about plano convex lenses and coatings?
Additional information on plano convex lenses and AR coatings can be found from Edmund Optics.
Related Products for Plano Convex Lens (PCX)
Need Custom Plano Convex Lenses?
Send us your drawing, material, dimensions, focal length and coating requirements. As a precision plano convex lens manufacturer, Chenyu Optics will review the optical specifications and provide a suitable PCX lens manufacturing suggestion.