Rod Lens
Rod Lenses are precision cylindrical lenses with polished end faces along a defined length, used to relay images or transmit illumination along a straight or curved optical path. Chenyu Optics manufactures rod lenses in BK7, fused silica, optical glass and infrared materials, with custom diameter, length, surface quality and coating according to customer drawings.
Rod Lens Overview
Rod Lenses are precision cylindrical lenses with polished end faces along a defined length, used to relay images or transmit illumination along a straight or curved optical path.
Compared with conventional spherical lens shapes, the elongated rod geometry allows a rod lens to carry an image or light signal over a set working distance, making it suitable for endoscopic, borescope and illumination relay applications where a compact, elongated optical path is required.
Chenyu Optics supports custom rod lens manufacturing according to customer drawings, including custom material, diameter, length, surface nd coating for prototype and repeat production.
Key Advantages of Rod Lens
Image Relay, Endoscopy & Illumination Systems
Rod lenses are widely used in endoscopic and borescope optics, image relay assemblies, illumination systems, machine vision and scientific instruments requiring a compact elongated optical path.
Typical Specifications of Rod Lens
| Material Options | BK7, Fused Silica, Optical Glass, and Custom Optical Materials Available |
|---|---|
| Coating Options | Uncoated, broadband AR, laser AR, UV AR, IR AR, custom coating |
| Optical Function | Image relay / illumination transmission |
| Focal Length | Determined by rod length and material index; custom per drawing |
| Surface Flatness | Up to λ/10 @ 633 nm |
| Surface Quality | 20-10, 40-20 scratch-dig |
| Dimensions | Custom diameter and length available |
| Edge/End-Face Treatment | Polished flat or curved end faces, ground barrel surface |
Optical Path Diagram
Why Choose Chenyu Optics for Rod 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 rod lenses.
Manufacturing Capability for Rod Lens
Precision Grinding & Polishing
Controlled grinding and polishing of the barrel surface and end faces for 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, end-face verification, optical performance checking and clean protective packaging before shipment.
Custom Manufacturing Options for Rod Lens
Geometry & Dimensions
Diameter, length and end-face configuration 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 illumination 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.
Rod 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 image relay, visible-range optical systems | UV and high-power laser relay systems | Infrared imaging and illumination relay systems |
| Selection Note | Preferred for standard visible-range relay 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 Rod Lens
Laser Systems
Beam relay and transmission optics for laser system design.
Imaging Systems
Image relay elements for endoscopic and borescope imaging optics.
Beam Shaping
Rod lenses for illumination and beam transmission applications.
Machine Vision
Compact image relay components for machine vision and inspection systems.
Scientific Instruments
Precision optical components for laboratory and research instruments.
Optical Systems Integration
Custom rod lenses for OEM endoscopic and illumination assemblies.
Rod Lens FAQ
What is a rod lens?
A rod lens is a precision cylindrical lens with polished end faces, used to relay images or transmit illumination along a defined optical path length.
Which materials are available for rod lenses?
Common materials include BK7, fused silica, optical glass, and infrared materials, selected according to the operating wavelength.
Are rod lenses suitable for endoscopic applications?
Yes. Rod lenses are commonly used in endoscopic and borescope optical systems for image relay over a fixed working length.
Can rod 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, length, end-face configuration, coating type, surface quality, surface accuracy, quantity and drawing if available.
Where can I learn more about rod lenses and coatings?
Additional information on rod lenses and AR coatings can be found from Edmund Optics.
Need Custom Rod Lenses?
Send us your drawing, material, diameter, length and coating requirements. Chenyu Optics will review the optical specifications and provide a suitable rod lens manufacturing suggestion.