The LA5040 is a Plano-Convex lens with a diameter of 12.7 mm, sourced from the renowned optical component manufacturer, Thorlabs. This lens is designed for use in the visible spectrum, specifically at a wavelength of 588 nm. The Plano-Convex design, where one side is flat and the other is curved, is a common configuration in optical systems due to its ability to focus light efficiently.
The LA5040 has an effective focal length (EFL) of 40 mm, which is the distance from the lens's center to the point where the light rays converge. This makes it suitable for applications that require moderate magnification. The lens's geometry includes a thickness of 2 mm at the edge and 3.2 mm at the center, providing structural integrity while minimizing unnecessary weight.
The lens is made of Calcium Fluoride (CaF2), a material known for its low refractive index and excellent transparency in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions of the spectrum. This makes the LA5040 an ideal choice for applications that require high transmission and low absorption, such as laser systems, beam shaping, or imaging.
Notably, the LA5040 is uncoated. While coatings can enhance the performance of lenses by reducing reflections, increasing transmission, or providing protection against environmental factors, an uncoated lens can be advantageous in certain applications where specific coating properties are not required.