Unlike spherical lenses, which provide one central focal point, convex cylindrical lenses focus light into a line. This makes them useful in a wide variety of optical arenas, including focusing lasers and other optical imaging applications. Concave cylindrical lenses serve the opposite purpose and can be use to spread light and for image reduction.

Aside from choosing between convex and concave cylindrical lenses, the material used to make the lens is one of the most important deciding factors. Each type has specific properties that will make them useful for various applications. Knowing these properties will help you determine what type or types of cylindrical lenses will serve you best. Some things to keep in mind for this decision are:

1. Glass cylindrical lenses reflect light in the infrared range.
2. Cylindrical lenses made of various other materials, such as silica, provide improved transmission at specific ranges.
3. Some cylindrical lens distributors offer various optional coatings that enhance the performance of the cylindrical lenses.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use cylindrical lens suppliers who offer crown glass lenses for compound lenses and general use

Most cylindrical lens providers offer lenses made of flint or crown glass. Both types reflect light in the infrared spectrum and are popular materials for use in making compound lenses. The types of glass used are indicated with letter and number codes that indicate the ingredients used and the type of glass, with the most common for optics being the borosilicate crown glass identified as BK-7 and soda lime crown glass B270.

I recommend: OptoSigma offers convex and concave cylindrical lenses made of BK7 glass. Rolyn Optics sells a wide range of cylindrical lenses made of both BK7 and B270 glass.

Look for cylindrical lens manufacturers of lenses made of other materials to meet specific needs

Lenses made from materials other glass can provide specific benefits at different wavelengths. One of the most popular alternative material is fused silica, which provides even better ultraviolet transmission than crown glass.

I recommend: Newport has an impressive catalog of UV grade fused silica precision cylindrical lenses. eSource Optics offers UV grade fused silica in a wide range of sizes and diameters.

Consider a cylindrical lens provider that offers option coatings

Most suppliers of cylindrical lenses have a base inventory of un-coated lenses. However, some makers of cylindrical lenses also offer optional coatings to enhance certain aspects of the lens, depending on the intended use. To make the most of the shape of the lens, mirrored coating are sometimes used, while anti-reflective coatings strive to enhance the transmission properties of the lens.

I recommend: Optimax Systems offer antireflective and mirror coatings on any cylindrical lens they sell. Rocky Mountain Instrument will apply anti-reflective, multi-line, multi region, and UV to far IR coatings to their cylindrical lenses.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  For varied research needs, you may want to buy cylindrical lenses as a set. This allows for a wide range of flexibility when determining the specific cylindrical lens you need.