Function Introduction of Common Optical Components

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 components. Here Ecoptik mainly selects common optical components for analysis and introduction.

1. Common optical components: 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, when used at other wavelengths, the focal length also changes.

2. Common optical components: 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, when used at other wavelengths, the focal length also changes.

3. Common optical components: plane mirror

Objects with flat, smooth, opaque surfaces that can be imaged are called plane mirrors. The image formed by the plane mirror of the optical element 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 mirrors that reflect on a smooth plane a plane mirror.

4. Common optical components: beam splitters

It 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.

5. Common optical components: mirrors

It is an optical element that works using the law of reflection. Optical element mirrors can be divided into three types: plane mirrors, spherical mirrors and aspheric mirrors according to their shapes; according to the degree of reflection, they can be divided into total reflection mirrors and semi-transmissive mirrors (also known as beam splitters).

6. Common optical components: aspherical lens

With a better radius of curvature, good aberration correction can be maintained 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.

7. Common optical components: grating

An optical device composed of a large number of parallel slits of equal width and equal 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.

8. Common optical components: optical fibers

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.

9. Common optical components: optical isolators

Optical elements Optical isolators are passive optical devices that allow only one-way light to pass through, and their 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. The light reflected by the optical fiber echo can be well isolated by the optical isolator, which improves the light wave transmission efficiency.

10. Common optical components: beam splitter

A beam splitter is a component that can split a beam of light into two or more beams of light, usually composed of a metal film or a dielectric film.