The optical axis is a line through a point of rotational symmetry in a lens or crystal, which can impact performance. Dome magnifiers have a symmetrical axis, while other optics may have an offset axis. Biaxial crystals have two axes, and mechanical tests can determine the position of an optical axis. Lens grinders and synthetic crystals can manipulate the axis and other properties, but there are low error tolerances. Technicians follow strict protocols to reduce errors during production.
An optical axis is a line through a point of rotational symmetry in a lens or crystal. This can also be the site of the mechanical axis, though not necessarily. The characteristics of optical elements, such as the position of their axes, have a major impact on their performance and can determine which product is most appropriate for a given application. In lens manufacturing, technicians typically do some testing to make sure that the finished lenses, crystals, and other elements meet the technical specifications.
In something like a dome magnifier, the optical axis runs from front to back at the center of the dome. The properties of the magnifier are symmetrical about this axis; if it is rotated, the magnification will remain the same, as will any distortions and errors near the edges of the lens. For other types of optics, the optical axis can be offset for specific purposes. Calibration can be more difficult with offset optics, because they need to be positioned very precisely to work properly.
Some equipment may have more than one optical axis. This can be seen with equipment such as biaxial crystals, which have, as the name suggests, two axes. They can be rotated around either one for symmetrical performance. The number of axes can depend on the material of which an element is made and the formation of the lattice inside. Crystals are capable of extremely complex internal structures that can allow for the creation of multiple axes and other distinctive properties.
Mechanical tests can be used to determine the position of an optical axis. Technicians may use such equipment when testing finished optical products, to make sure they are working properly. This can also be useful for calibration purposes, particularly with offset lenses that require careful handling. Usually the equipment can verify different optical properties and generate a comprehensive report on the material to be tested.
Lens grinders used to make optical lenses can be set with a variety of parameters to determine their specifications. Synthetic crystals grown under controlled conditions can also be manipulated to create a specific optical axis and other properties. In both cases there are low error tolerances; with corrective lenses, for example, small aberrations in the lens can cause vision problems such as blurriness and eye strain for the wearer. Technicians monitor the environment and follow strict manufacturing protocols to reduce the risk of errors during the production of optical components.
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