While all lenses have one or more spherical surface, the curved surface on a cylindrical lens is shaped like a cylinder. Performance is characterized by a focal line that lies parallel to the cylindrical axis. These lenses are useful in application areas, such as optical data storage and retrieval systems for imaging linear arrays, spectroscopic instrumentation for imaging slits, and other processes involving scanning techniques.

Cylindrical lenses are also frequently used with lasers to generate a narrow line of light that is used for measurement or alignment. Esco manufactures a variety of standard plano-convex S1-UV Grade Fused Silica cylinder lenses. All lenses are pitch polished for precicision surface quality and accuracy.

Esco has the capability to manufacture a variety of custom elements, including negative cylindrical lenses and lenses made of other optical materials. If your business or organization is in need of custom optic lenses, please call us at 800-922-3726 or email us for more information.