2. Visionen leben
Exceeding expectations in new ways
Visionen leben – Bringing visions to life.
With this claim, asphericon is continuously pushing the
boundaries of what is possible and setting new milestones in
the world of optics.
asphericon‘s vision of revolutionizing aspheric components
with a completely new kind of technology is opening up a
degree of precision and quality that had been considered
impossible until now.
3. | 01
01 Company
04 Technologies
06 CNC processing
08 Diamond turning
10 High-End Finishing
12 Measuring
14 Coating
16 Applications
18 Optical design
20 Optical characterization
21 Optical assembly
22 Products
24 asphericon OEM
26 asphericon SPA™
Founded at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena (Germany) in 2001, asphericon has developed into a
technological leader in the field of asphere manufacturing thanks to a great deal of expertise and passion.
asphericon combines a researcher’s pioneering spirit with the ability to implement scientific knowledge in
customer-oriented, economical solutions that offer a high level of usefulness.
The latest manufacturing technologies, control software undergoing continuing development, the most
accurate measuring technology, and highly qualified employees ensure that asphericon provides over 600
customers worldwide with innovative solutions.
Benefit from this experience at all stages of generating optics. We will assist you from the initial optical
design, via manufacturing and coating, precise measuring and documentation, through the assembly of
optical modules and optical characterization.
Aspheric solutions from one source
CompanyContent
asphericon on the social web
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Driven by quality
asphericon is committed
to high-quality working
processes and fulfills all
of the requirements of
the ISO 9001:2008.
4. | 0302 |
Precision out of passion
Perfect in terms of quality and precision: Every asphericon lens
is the product of condensed knowledge and experience from
over 2,000 client projects.
Our technologies enable the processing of various shapes, a
very wide range of materials and for all wavelengths.
Combined with high-end processors and applications, unique
precision dimensions are achieved. asphericon impresses with
accuracy beyond the norm - always new in every detail.
asphericon sets standards in asphere production
Applications
Shapes
Aspheres
Spheres
Acylinders
Diffractive elements
Wavelengths
UV
VIS
NIR-IR-FIR
Materials
Glass
Fused Silica
PMMA
Metals
IR lenses
IR crystals
Fluorite
High-End Finishing
ION-Finish™
MRF®
technology
asphericon Ångström-Polishing
Manufacturing technologies
CNC processing
Diamond turning
Measuring
Coating
Optical design
Optical characterization
Optical assembly
5. | 0504 |
The latest technologies for high-quality, efficient
customer solutions
Technologies
Driven by the idea of developing new technologies and opti-
mizing existing ones, we work permanently on further refining
and improving our processes.
In doing so, we strive to achieve constantly better quality and
ever greater precision – all without losing sight of the economic
interests of our customers.
6. Enabler
Individual solutions at the highest level
Technologies
CNC processing
| 0706 |
Standard Precision
Diameter
Center thickness
Dimensions [ISO 10110-1]
Surface form [ISO 10110-1; 12]
mm
mm
8 - 250 4 - 250
2 - 60 2 - 60
Tolerance mm ± 0.10 ± 0.05
Tolerance mm ± 0.10 ± 0.05
Radius of curvature – local cc
Clear aperture
Clear aperture surface slope
15mm
% of Ø
degree
95 90
75 50
Centration [ISO 10110-6] 4/ σ ( L )
Sagittadeviation1
–A(Power)
Irregularity2
– B (PV)
Rotational invariant irregularity – C
Toleranceofradiusofcurvature
RMS irregularity – RMSi – D
Slope tolerance3
– F
%
fringe (μm)
arcsec(mrad)
fringe (µm)
fringe (μm)
fringe (μm)
± 0.10 ± 0.05
30 -10 (7.5 - 2.5) 3 (0.75)
10 - 4 (2.5 -1) 1 (0.3)
4 - 1.5 (1.0 - 0.4) 0.5 (0.14)
3 - 1.2 (0.75 - 0.3) 0.3 (0.09)
180 (0.90) 40 (0.20)
Edge thickness variation (defines tilt angle)
Tiltangleoftheasphericsurfacetothesecondsurface–σ
Lateraldisplacementoftheaspherictotheedgeofthelens–L
Lateraldisplacementoftheaspherictothesecondsurface–L
Dig – N x A1
Scratches – L N ‘‘ x A‘‘1
MIL – Scratch / Dig
Surface texture [ISO 10110-8]
µm
arc min
mm
mm
25 15
2.50 1
0.02 0.01
0.03 0.02
2 x 0.40 2 x 0.10
L2 x 0.10 L2 x 0.06
40 – 20 20 – 10
Surface roughness – Rq nm 2.0 - 3.0 1.5 - 2.0
geometry dependent up to
1Dependsonthediameter.Listedvaluesareforadiameterof50mm.Referencewavelengthλ=546.07nm.
2OftenalsocalledthePV-errorofthemeasuredsurface.MeansthetotalsurfacedeviationcorrectedforSagittaerror(power).
3Dependsonthediameterandthesurfacecurvature.Normalmeasuredlengthof1mm.
Measurement
Full-surface interferometric measurement optional
A specially developed, patented technology to control CNC grinding and polishing machines with the ability
to simulate processing methods forms the basis for manufacturing at asphericon. Thanks to this globally
unique equipment, prototypes right through large series can be manufactured with a high level of precision
and optionally measured interferometrically over their entire surface.
Surface form tolerances [ISO 10110-5] and Aspheric surfaces [ISO 10110-12]
3/ A (B, C) RMSx < D; “lambda” = E; slope < F; slope integration length = G; spatial sampling resolution = H; see also ISO 14999-4
Surface imperfections [ISO 10110-7] 5/ N x A; L N ‘‘ x A‘‘
7. | 09
Ultra-precise cutting using monocrystalline diamond is the key technology for manufacturing virtually any
optical functional surface with the utmost precision. This enables the processing of non-ferrous metals,
nickel-phosphorus coatings, plastics, crystals and IR lenses.
Precision re-defined
Diamond-turned optics in perfection
Technologies
Diamond turning
08 |
Available technologies
Achievable optical component geometries
1 Depends on diameter and material
2 Often also called the PV - error of the measured surface. Means the total surface deviation corrected
for Sagitta error (power).
Processable materials
Diamond turning with 2 and 3 linear axes
Slow Tool Servo
Fly cutting
Copper, Aluminum, Brass, Nickel Silver, Nickel
Nickel-Phosphorus layers
Synthetic materials
Silicon, Germanium, Zinc Sulfide, Zinc Selenide
IR lenses
Aspheres
Spheres
Toroids
Cylinders
Microlenses
Fresnel structures
Freeforms
Diffractive optical elements
Achievable diameters
Center thickness
Irregularity – B (PV)2
Surface roughness – Rq
100
1
RMS irregularity – RMSi – D 20
Surface shape [ISO 10110-1; 5; 8; 12]
mm
mm
nm
nm
nm
up to1
1 - 420
from 0.51
Manufacturing dimensions [ISO 10110-1]
8. | 11
Exceeding standards
Ultra precise for the highest demands
10 |
Standard Precision
Diameter
Center thickness
6 - 300
< 60
Tolerance ± 0.03
Tolerance ± 0.01
Radius of curvature – local cc
Clear aperture
Clear aperture surface slope
15
90
75
Sagittadeviation1
–A(Power)
Irregularity2
– B (PV)
Rotational invariant irregularity – C
Toleranceofradiusofcurvature
RMS irregularity – RMSi – D
Slope tolerance3
– F
± 0.02
0.30 (0.08)
0.30 (0.08)
0.20 (0.05)
0.10 (0.03)
12 (0.06)
Edge thickness variation (defines tilt angle)
Tiltangleoftheasphericsurfacetothesecondsurface–σ
Lateraldisplacementoftheaspherictotheedgeofthelens–L
Lateraldisplacementoftheaspherictothesecondsurface–L
Dig – N x A1
Scratches – L N ‘‘ x A‘‘1
MIL – Scratch / Dig
5
0.35
0.01
0.01
2 x 0.04
L2 x 0.04
20 – 10
Surface roughness – Rq
mm
mm
mm
mm
mm
% of Ø
degree
%
fringe (μm)
arcsec(mrad)
fringe (μm)
fringe (μm)
fringe (μm)
µm
arc min
mm
mm
nm 0.50
Dimensions [ISO 10110-1]
Surface form [ISO 10110-1; 12]
Surface form tolerances (ISO 10110-5) and Aspheric surfaces (ISO 10110-12)
3/ A (B, C) RMSx < D; “lambda” = E; slope < F; slope integration length = G; spatial sampling resolution = H; see also ISO 14999-4
Centration [ISO 10110-6] 4/ σ ( L )
Surface imperfections [ISO 10110-7; 5/ N x A; L N ‘‘ x A‘‘]
Surface texture [ISO 10110-8]
geometry dependent up to
Challenging optical applications demand ever greater precision. asphericon delivers the platform for your high-
end products.
With asphericon ION-FinishTM
and Magnetorheological Finishing-Technology®
(MRF), it is now possible to process
challenging aspheric optics in series production for the first time. Thanks to this procedure, shape deviations
are achieved that exceed the current international standard many times over.
If every photon counts, scattered light should not be an issue, or high laser output is involved, the novel
asphericon Ångström-Polishing enables roughness values of 5 Å (Rq according to ISO10110) to be achieved on
all aspheric surfaces.
Technologies
High-End Finishing
Measurement
Full-surface interferometric measurement guaranteed
1Dependsonthediameter.Listedvaluesareforadiameterof50mm.Referencewavelengthλ=546.07nm.
2OftenalsocalledthePV-errorofthemeasuredsurface.MeansthetotalsurfacedeviationcorrectedforSagittaerror(power).
3Dependsonthediameterandthesurfacecurvature.Normalmeasuredlengthof1mm.
9. Precise – more precise – asphericon
The most accurate measurement results from the specialist
| 1312 |
The latest tactile and interferometric measuring instruments make it possible to manufacture aspheric optics
flexibly at the highest technological level. A specially developed and integrated database system enables the
measuring results from all manufacturing steps to be evaluated precisely, accessed at any time, and also
documented.
A wide range of measuring instruments is used to achieve accurate measuring results. These instruments
include:
LuphoScan 260 and 420
MarSurf LD 120 Aspheric
Zygo Verifire Asphere™
Measurement technology:
Fiber optic based multi-wavelength
interferometry (MWLI®
)
Measurement range:
420 mm (diameter) x 100 mm (height)
Longitudinal resolution:
0.1 nm
High-precision 3D measurment and
evaluation of optical components
Allows 2D and 3D measurement of optically
rough surfaces
Exact reproduction of aspheres based on
vertical resolution of 2 nm (0.08 μin) and
form deviations of less than 100 nm (4 μin)
Measurement technique
Laser-based, three-dimensional, mechani-
cal phase shifting interferometry (6“ Fizeau
interferometer) combined with heterodyne
displacement interferometry
Measurement capability
Surface form of aspheric, spherical and flat
optics, and semi automated radius of curva-
ture of spherical parts
Aspheric measurement performance
up to 60 nm (λ/10)
Zygo NewView™
7100 and
MarSurf WM 100
Measuring of roughnesses on aspheric
surfaces up to 0.5 nm
Technologies
Measuring
10. High-end coatings for your challenging products - in outstanding quality, with reasonable delivery times and
the usual asphericon service. Equipped with the latest manufacturing and measuring technologies currently
available on the market, as well as an experienced team of technicians, we turn your ideas into reality.
High-quality coatings in 24 to 48 hours
Contact us:
Fast lane – Our service for ultra-fast delivery times!
+49 (0) 3641-31 00 560 coating@asphericon.com
Technologies
CoatingThin films in asphericon Quality
Wide spectrum for each application
| 15
Anti-reflection coatings
Individually manufactured reflection-minimizing
coatings - as simple and broadband coatings or op-
timized specially for laser applications, as required.
Dielectric mirrors
Manufacture of absorption-free, stress-minimized
mirrors optimized for various angles of incidence
with reflections greater than 99,9%Metallic mirrors
Reflective surfaces based on metals (e.g. Al, Ag,
Au) are cost-effective options for manufacturing
reflectors
Filter coatings
By using dielectric layers, it is possible to separate
various wavelengths as a short or long pass filter.
Beam splitters
The customer-specific splitting ratio (T/R) is achieved
with thermally stable dielectric layers
14 |
11. asphericon – your partner from the first idea to the successful
finalization.
Based on your expectations, individual optic designs are
developed, optical characterization is carried out and optic
components are assembled to complete systems.
Everything from one source. Everything from the specialist.
Applications
Customized solutions for special fields of use
| 1716 |
12. 18 | | 19
Applications
Optical designIndividual designs
Custom-fitting and functional The right partner for every step: from analysis and designing through implementation. Based on the require-
ments and expectations of our customers, asphericon develops optimal solutions for optical applications.
When realizing the individual design solution, asphericon pays particular attention to optimal development
and production times, and outstanding quality, while always keeping an eye on the costs for the customer.
Analysis of your technical requirements
Development of an initial feasibility study
within 3 days
Analysis
Optical design (refractive, diffractive and
reflective elements; optics for ultrashort
laser pulses)
Tolerance analysis for production and
calibration
Development of the design description
Drafting up of an adapted coating design
Conception
Monitoring of in-house testing processes
Approval for prototype and series
production
Realization
13. | 2120 |
ApplicationsApplications
The diverse range of asphericon services is rounded off with the company’s own designing of frames and
holders for its optic components. Your specific requirements with regard to environmental conditions, the
choice of materials, resilience, and quality requirements are translated into cost-efficient mechanical
design.
On request, optic components can be mounted in line with your specifications.
Optical characterization
So you have it in black and white
After finishing every lens, an optical characterization can then be carried out. This involves precisely measu-
ring the wave front of the finished lens using a Phasics SID4-HR wave front sensor.
Optical assembly
Accurately fitting solutions for frames and holders
The asphericon certificate includes:
Measurement of the wavefront
(wavelength range 400 - 1064 nm, other
wavelengths on request)
Measurement of MTF, PSF and Strehl ratio
Illustration of the wave front measurement
14. asphericon brings together its technological leadership in a
comprehensive product range – the perfect basis for your
optical application at the highest level.
Choose an OEM solution tailored to your needs or quickly and
simply make use of the innovative diversity offered by the SPA™
range.
Products
Aspheric visions become reality
| 2322 |
15. | 25
asphericon OEM
Discover a variety of customer-specific elements - from classic aspheres through to complex surface shapes
and specially coated lenses. asphericon makes your wishes come true in an efficient, ultra-precise way that
can be repeated at any time.
Aspheres
Compared with spherical lenses, aspheres lead to
much better imaging properties and reduce the
overall number of optical elements in most applica-
tions. asphericon produces diameters from 2.0 up to
250 mm with a roughness as low as 1 nm Rq.
Axicons
Axicons are offered in a large variety of shapes,
sizes and materials. Almost every variety of glass as
well as silica, germanium, silicon, infrared glass and
zerodur can be processed.
Reflectors - Off -Axis
Our technology enables the production of
off -axis-mirrors and reflectors. Depending on
geometry and deflection angle we manufacture
according to individual requirements.
Reflectors - On-Axis
Mirrors and reflectors with parabolic or custom-
defined aspheric surface curvatures are one of our
specialties. All designs will be delivered in the well-
known asphericon quality.
Acylinders
Aspheric cylinders can be realized in planoconvex,
plano-concave, bi-convex or biconcave shapes.
Specific lenses with a cylinder surface and both
spherical and aspheric rear surfaces are available.
In particular cases the outer shapes can be user-
defined.
24 |
Individual and unique
Aspheric optics made for special applications
Products
16. SPA™
Axicons
Ideally suited for UV applications
Diameter:
Quality:
Material:
SPA™
UV-grade fused silica
12.5 – 50 mm
RMSi ≤ 0.3 μm
Fused silica
26 |
Setting the standard of tomorrow
Innovative diversity meets aspheric precision
Ideally suited for high-power laser
applications
Diameter:
Quality:
Material:
25.4 and 50.8 mm
RMSi < 0.07 μm
Fused silica
Long focal length (f/d 2.0)
Diameter:
Quality:
Material:
SPA™
Low-NA
| 27
10 – 100 mm
RMSi ≤ 0.5 μm
N-BK7
Products
asphericon SPA™
The asphericon SPA™ (Standard Precision Aspheres) range - your introduction to the world of aspheres.
Benefit from our exclusive selection of standard aspheres, axicons, acylinders and monolithic beam expan-
ders. Precision-polished aspheres with excellent optical properties and delivery directly from stock ensure
quality and efficiency.
Short focal length (f/d 0.8)
Size:
Quality:
Material:
SPA™
Acylinders
10x10 – 50x50 mm
RMSi ≤ 0.5 μm
S-LAH64
Short focal length
Diameter:
Quality:
Material:
SPA™
High-NA
10 – 100 mm
RMSi ≤ 0,5μm
S-LAH64, N-BK7
Components: SPA™ Beam Expander,
SPA™ Waveλdapt, SPA™ Adapter
Design
wavelengths: 532, 632, 780, 1064 nm
Wavelength range: 500 – 1600 nm
Expansion: up to 32x
Quality: Diffraction-limited
www.aspheric-beamexpander.com
SPA™
Beam Expander Kit
Shop all SPA™
products online:
SPA™
Webshop
www.asphericon.com
Easy
ordering
