The LA4924 UV Fused Silica Plano-Convex Lens is a high-quality optical component sourced from Thorlabs. This lens, with a diameter of 1 inch (25.4 mm), is designed for use in ultraviolet (UV) applications, making it an ideal choice for projects that require precise optical performance in the UV spectrum.
The lens features a focal length of 175.6 mm, which is a crucial parameter in lens selection. The focal length, combined with the lens's diameter, determines the lens's angular field of view and magnification. This particular lens, with its long focal length, is suitable for applications that require a narrow field of view and high magnification.
The LA4924 is a plano-convex lens, meaning it has one flat surface and one curved surface. The curved surface has a radius of curvature of 80.5 mm. This curvature, along with the lens's refractive index, determines the lens's optical power. The lens's refractive index is not specified in the item data, but for UV Fused Silica, it is typically around 1.46.
The lens's thickness varies from 2 mm at the edge to 3 mm at the center. This variation in thickness can affect the lens's performance, particularly in applications that require high precision. However, the relatively small thickness change in this lens suggests that it will perform well in most applications.
The lens is uncoated, which means it does not have any anti-reflective coatings. While coatings can improve a lens's performance by reducing reflections and increasing transmission, they are not always necessary. In many UV applications, the benefits of coatings may be outweighed by their cost and complexity.