Function introduction of common Optical Element

Any instrument or device that is used to form an optical path, compose optics or be related to optics is an Optical Element. There are too many types of Optical Elements. Here, we will mainly select common Optical Elements for analysis and introduction.

Plano-Convex Lens: The focal length of a single lens is the distance from the principal point to the focal point. The design wavelength of the lens is 546.1 nm (the e-line of the green mercury spectral line). Since the focal length varies with wavelength, the focal length also changes when used at other wavelengths.

Plano-concave lens: has a negative focal length and is used to diverge a beam of parallel light. Uncoated and visible band anti-reflective multilayer lenses are available. The focal length of a single lens is the distance from the principal point to the focal point. The design wavelength of the lens is 546.1 nm (the e-line of the green mercury spectral line). Since the focal length varies with wavelength, the focal length also changes when used at other wavelengths.

Plane mirror: An object with a smooth, opaque surface that can be imaged is called a plane mirror. The image formed by the plane mirror is formed by the reverse extension of the reflected light after the light from the object is reflected by the plane mirror. Calm water, polished metal surfaces, etc. are equivalent to flat mirrors. We call a mirror that reflects a smooth plane a plane mirror.

Beamsplitter: is an optical device that can split a beam of light into multiple beams. Usually made of optical glass coating. It is widely used in teaching interferometers, research laser interferometers, polarized light research, optical fiber communication and other optical research and application occasions. It is an important element of optical research and application systems.

Mirror: It is an Optical Element that works using the law of reflection. Mirrors can be divided into three types: plane mirrors, spherical mirrors, and aspheric mirrors according to their shapes;

Aspherical lenses: have a better radius of curvature to maintain good aberration correction to obtain the required performance. The application of aspherical lens brings excellent sharpness and higher resolution, and the miniaturized design of the lens becomes possible.

Grating: An optical device composed of a large number of parallel slits of equal width and spacing is called a grating. The commonly used grating is made by engraving a large number of parallel notches on the glass sheet. The notches are opaque parts, and the smooth part between the two notches can transmit light, which is equivalent to a slit. Grating is a combination of digital technology and traditional printing technology, which can show different special effects on special films.

Optical fiber: Optical fiber, short for optical fiber, is a fiber made of glass or plastic that acts as a light-transmitting tool. The transmission principle is 'total reflection of light'.

Optical isolator: An optical isolator is a passive optical device that allows only one-way light to pass through, and its working principle is based on the non-reciprocity of Faraday rotation. The light reflected back by the fiber can be well isolated by the optical isolator. Optical isolators mainly use the Faraday effect of magneto-optical crystals. The characteristics of optical isolators are: low forward insertion loss, high reverse isolation, and high return loss. An optical isolator is a passive device that allows light to pass in one direction and prevents it from passing in the opposite direction. Its function is to limit the direction of light so that light can only be transmitted in one direction. Good isolation, improve light wave transmission efficiency.

Beam splitter: A beam splitter is a component that can divide a beam of light into two beams or multiple beams of light, usually composed of metal films or dielectric films.