12 Mar 2007 Edge-blackened optics are designed to increase contrast and reduce noise in imaging and electro-optical systems. The blackened edges prevent light from exiting a mounted optic, reflecting off the metal fixturing and being re-imaged through the optical assembly.
"To avoid stray-light and improve contrast, we always blacken the edges of the components in our TECHSPEC imaging lenses," explained Gregg Fales, optical product line manager. "An increasing number of customers blacken edges for assemblies in applications ranging from electronic inspection and semiconductor processing to flow cytometry and drug discovery. We knew this was a service we had to offer."
Offering the edge-blackening as a standard option eliminates a labor-intensive step in integrating the optics into OEM assemblies. "Without the appropriate equipment and skilled opticians, it’s quite a difficult and expensive process," explains Fales. The edges must be blackened while maintaining dimensional tolerances, clear aperture, and centration: all critical specifications for ensuring high quality optical assemblies and sub-assemblies.
The blackening service is available off-the shelf for most of Edmund’s TECHSPEC VIS 0° Achromatic Lenses. It is also available to all transmissive components through the company’s Quik Mod program, which allows rapid turnaround of modified catalog components in small quantities. Typically, Edmund can modify 10 pieces or fewer - blackening edges, applying a metal or AR coating, or reducing the elements’ circumference - within two weeks of receiving a customer’s order.
About EO:
Edmund Optics (EO) is a leading producer of optics, imaging, and photonics technology for R&D, electronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, biomedical, and military markets around the globe. EO is the world’s largest supplier of off-the-shelf optical components. Customers can purchase items by contacting EO at 1-800-363-1992, via the catalog, or via the website at www.edmundoptics.com
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