What types of aspheric and freeform optics does Band Optics manufacture?

Band Optics manufactures rotationally symmetric aspheric lenses, infrared aspheres, off-axis parabolic mirrors and non-rotationally symmetric freeform optical components. The available manufacturing route depends on the surface geometry, material, aperture, finish, coating and inspection requirements.

What information is required to quote a custom aspheric optic?

Provide the drawing and surface prescription, including units, base radius, conic constant, polynomial coefficients or sag data, material, diameter or outline, thickness, clear aperture, surface form, surface quality, roughness, coating, quantity and acceptance method.

Can you manufacture from a CAD model or sag table?

CAD geometry, sag tables and point data can be reviewed alongside the controlled drawing. The coordinate origin, axis orientation, units, sign convention, datums and the document that governs acceptance should be identified clearly.

Which materials are available for infrared aspheric lenses?

Handbook-listed options include ZnSe, ZnS, silicon and CaF2, together with optical glass and fused silica for other spectral requirements. Material selection depends on wavelength, thermal conditions, geometry, finish and coating compatibility.

Can Band Optics manufacture off-axis parabolic mirrors?

Yes, off-axis parabolic mirrors are included in the company's stated product capabilities. A quotation should define the parent focal length, off-axis distance or angle, aperture, substrate, surface requirements, coating and mechanical datums.

How are aspheric and freeform surfaces inspected?

Inspection may use profile measurement, interferometry with an appropriate CGH or test setup, non-contact surface topography, roughness measurement and dimensional or centration inspection. The final method must match the component geometry and drawing.

Can you support prototypes before repeat production?

Yes. A prototype can establish the tooling, fixtures, process route, coating method and inspection setup. After the prescription and acceptance criteria are approved, the same controlled information can support pilot and recurring OEM production.

What determines the achievable tolerance and component size?

Achievable size and tolerance depend on material, aperture, surface departure, local slope, thickness, edge geometry, coating and measurement access. Because official Band Optics sources currently show different aspheric diameter ranges, the required size should be confirmed through engineering review rather than relying on one universal limit.

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Custom Aspheric & Freeform Optics for OEM Systems

Aspheric Lenses, Infrared Aspheres, Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors and Freeform Optics

Band Optics manufactures custom aspheric and freeform optical components for imaging, infrared, laser, sensing and analytical systems. Projects can be developed from customer drawings, optical prescriptions, sag data, CAD models or defined application requirements, with the manufacturing route selected around the surface geometry, material, aperture and inspection method.

Our capabilities cover transmissive aspheres, infrared aspheric lenses, reflective off-axis parabolic mirrors and non-rotationally symmetric freeform surfaces. Prototype builds and repeat OEM production can include CNC generation, precision polishing, diamond turning where appropriate, optical coating and dimensional or optical inspection against the approved specification.

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Optical Component Manufacturing Since 2008

3,500 m² Optical Production Workshop

CNC, Diamond Turning, Polishing and Metrology Capabilities

Prototype and Repeat OEM Production Support

Aspheric and Freeform Optics Manufacturing for Engineers and OEM Buyers

Aspheric and freeform optics give optical designers more control over aberration, beam shape and system packaging than conventional spherical surfaces. Band Optics manufactures these components from customer drawings, optical prescriptions, surface equations, sag tables and application requirements. Projects can begin with prototypes for optical and mechanical verification and continue into repeat OEM production after the manufacturing and inspection criteria are approved.

The product range includes rotationally symmetric aspheric lenses, infrared aspheres, off-axis parabolic mirrors and non-rotationally symmetric freeform optics. Geometry, material, diameter or outline, center and edge thickness, clear aperture, surface form, surface quality, roughness, centration and coating are reviewed together because these requirements influence tooling, process selection and measurement strategy.

Components are manufactured for imaging, thermal detection, laser beam delivery, spectroscopy, aerospace sensing and compact analytical instruments. Engineering support can coordinate CNC generation, polishing, diamond turning, coating and metrology so that the finished component has a defined relationship between the optical surface, mechanical datums and acceptance method.

Aspheric and Freeform Optic Types

Select the product family according to the required optical function, wavelength, surface symmetry, packaging constraints and measurement method. Each category can be manufactured to a customer-defined prescription, with material, coating and inspection requirements reviewed as part of the complete component specification.

Rotationally symmetric aspheric lenses use a controlled departure from a best-fit sphere to reduce spherical aberration, improve image quality or replace multiple conventional elements in a compact optical path.

Aspherical Lenses
Infrared aspheres are manufactured from wavelength-appropriate materials such as ZnSe, ZnS, silicon, CaF2 and selected infrared glasses for thermal imaging, sensing, spectroscopy and laser systems.

Infrared Aspheric Lenses
Off-axis parabolic mirrors collimate or focus light without central obscuration and without the chromatic effects of refractive power. Parent focal length, off-axis distance, aperture and reflective coating must be defined together.

Off-Axis Parabolic Mirrors
Freeform optical surfaces are not limited to rotational symmetry. They can redistribute light, correct field-dependent aberrations and support compact or folded systems when spherical and conventional aspheric elements cannot meet the design target.

Freeform Optics

Applications of Aspheric and Freeform Optics

Aspheric and freeform surfaces are specified when the optical system needs greater aberration control, fewer elements, a shorter package, improved light collection or a non-uniform output distribution. Final geometry and tolerances must be tied to the actual wavelength, field, aperture and mechanical interface.

Aspheric lenses can reduce spherical aberration and support sharper imaging with fewer refractive elements in machine-vision, scientific and analytical instruments.

Precision Imaging Systems

04-applications-02-infrared-imaging-detection

Infrared aspheres focus or collimate radiation in thermal cameras, gas-analysis instruments, detectors and surveillance systems. Material transmission, temperature behavior and coating durability must be evaluated for the operating band.

Infrared Imaging and Detection

04-applications-03-laser-focusing-beam-delivery

Aspheric lenses and reflective off-axis parabolic mirrors can focus, collimate or relay laser beams. Surface quality, wavefront performance, coating, incidence angle and laser conditions should be specified together.

Laser Focusing and Beam Delivery

04-applications-04-beam-shaping-illumination

Freeform surfaces redistribute light to produce a defined irradiance pattern, correct source non-uniformity or direct illumination into an asymmetric field. The input source and target distribution are part of the surface specification.

Beam Shaping and Illumination

Off-axis reflective components can focus or collimate broad spectral bands without chromatic focal shift, supporting spectrometers, interferometers and analytical optical paths.

Spectroscopy and Broadband Instruments

04-applications-06-aerospace-remote-sensing

Compact aspheric, off-axis and freeform components support folded imaging, scanning and sensing architectures where mass, envelope and alignment sensitivity must be considered at system level.

Aerospace and Remote Sensing

Precision Aspheric and Freeform Manufacturing Capabilities

The manufacturing route is selected according to surface geometry, substrate, aperture, departure from the base surface, required finish, coating and quantity. A transmissive glass asphere, an infrared diamond-turned lens and a reflective off-axis component may require different tooling and inspection strategies.

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CNC Surface Generation

CNC grinding and machining establish the preliminary aspheric, off-axis or freeform profile while maintaining allowance for subsequent finishing operations.

Precision Optical Polishing

Polishing removes subsurface damage and refines surface form and roughness using tooling and process conditions matched to the material and local surface slope.

Single-Point Diamond Turning

Diamond turning can be evaluated for compatible infrared materials and reflective substrates when the geometry, finish, quantity and downstream coating requirements suit the process.

Corrective and MRF Polishing

Corrective polishing or MRF can be incorporated when the measured error map and substrate support a controlled material-removal step.

Centering, Edging and Mechanical Datums

Finished diameters, bevels, mounting features and reference surfaces are processed in relation to the optical surface so that the component can be positioned and inspected consistently.

Optical Coating Integration

AR, broadband, laser, reflective or infrared protective coatings are coordinated with substrate, surface slopes, clear aperture, angle of incidence and environmental requirements.

Custom Aspheric and Freeform Optical Specifications

The table below presents Band Optics manufacturing and customization capabilities for Aspheres & Freeforms. Values are capability references for customer-facing evaluation, not a list of fields the customer must complete.

BAND OPTICS TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Capability Item	Band Optics Manufacturing Range	Capability Item	Band Optics Manufacturing Range
Product Types	Aspherical lenses, infrared aspheric lenses, off-axis parabolic mirrors and freeform optics	Surface Quality	Documented aspheric example 20-10 scratch-dig or better
Surface Definitions Accepted	Base radius and conic constant, polynomial coefficients, sag table, CAD model, point data, parent paraboloid and off-axis definition	Surface Roughness	Documented aspheric example Rq <1 nm
Transmissive Materials	Optical glass, fused silica, ZnSe, ZnS, silicon and CaF2	Geometry Control	Center and edge thickness, local slope, surface departure, clear aperture and mechanical datums
Reflective Substrates	Zerodur, aluminum and other engineering-approved substrates	Manufacturing Processes	CNC generation, precision polishing, compatible diamond turning and corrective/MRF polishing
Diameter / Outline	Custom round and non-round apertures manufactured to approved drawings	Centering / Edging	Finished diameter, bevels and reference surfaces controlled relative to the optical surface
Thickness	Approximately 1-80 mm for documented aspheric-lens references	Coating Capability	AR, BBAR, V-coating, HR, metallic and dielectric reflection, plus selected IR protective coatings
Clear Aperture	Approximately 85%-100% in documented examples	Inspection Capability	Profilometry, suitable interferometry/CGH, 3D topography, roughness, centration, dimensional and spectral inspection
Surface Form	Documented examples include PV < λ/4 and RMS < λ/20	Production Support	Prototype, pilot and repeat OEM production

CAPABILITY NOTE:

Available combinations depend on material, geometry, dimensions, precision, coating and inspection requirements. Final specifications are confirmed through engineering review.

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Optical Materials for Aspheres and Freeforms

Material selection affects spectral transmission, refractive index, dispersion, thermal behavior, density, achievable finish, tooling wear and coating compatibility. The surface prescription may need to be recalculated if the material changes, so substitutions should be reviewed against the optical design rather than transmission range alone.

Optical Glass

Optical glasses provide a wide range of refractive-index and dispersion options for visible and near-infrared aspheric lenses used in imaging and instrumentation.

Fused Silica

Fused silica is considered for ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared and laser applications requiring low thermal expansion and good optical homogeneity.

Zinc Selenide

ZnSe supports infrared transmission and is used for selected thermal imaging, CO2 laser and sensing applications, subject to geometry, handling and coating requirements.

Zinc Sulfide

ZnS can support visible-to-infrared or infrared optical designs depending on grade. Grade, wavelength range and environmental exposure must be defined before manufacture.

Silicon

Description: Silicon is used for selected near- and mid-infrared aspheric components and is compatible with suitable precision machining and coating routes.

Calcium Fluoride

CaF2 provides ultraviolet and infrared transmission with low dispersion, while its mechanical and thermal characteristics require appropriate handling and process planning.

Reflective Substrates

Zerodur, aluminum and other approved substrates can be evaluated for off-axis parabolic mirrors and reflective freeform components according to thermal, mass, finish and coating requirements.

Optical Coatings for Aspheric and Freeform Components

Coating performance must be matched to the substrate, operating wavelength, surface geometry, angle of incidence, polarization and environmental conditions. Curved and freeform surfaces may present a wider distribution of local incidence angles than flat components, so coating requirements should reflect the actual optical design.

Anti-Reflective Coatings

Single-layer or multilayer AR coatings reduce reflection from transmissive aspheric surfaces over a defined wavelength range and incidence condition.

Broadband AR Coatings

Broadband AR designs support imaging, sensing and analytical systems that operate across a wider spectral interval. Performance is confirmed for the selected substrate and surface geometry.

Laser V-Coatings

V-coatings provide low reflection near a defined laser wavelength. The specification should include wavelength, AOI, polarization and applicable laser conditions.

Metallic Reflective Coatings

Aluminum, silver or gold coating systems can be considered for off-axis parabolic and reflective freeform components according to wavelength, durability and environmental exposure.

Dielectric and Infrared Protective Coatings

Description: Dielectric high-reflective coatings, infrared BBAR coatings and protective options such as DLC can be evaluated when the substrate and operating environment support the design.

Aspheric and Freeform Optics Manufacturing Process

The process route is released only after the optical prescription, mechanical drawing, material, coating and inspection plan have been reviewed together. Process steps vary by substrate and geometry, but the following sequence provides a typical project framework.

Drawing and Prescription Review

Engineering checks the equation, datums, material, aperture, tolerances, coating, quantity and acceptance method and resolves missing or conflicting requirements.

Material and Blank Preparation

The approved material is prepared with allowance for the optical surface, finished outline, thickness, mounting features and handling.

Surface Generation

CNC grinding, machining or diamond turning establishes the preliminary profile and leaves the controlled allowance required for finishing.

Fine Grinding and Precision Polishing

The surface is refined to reduce subsurface damage and approach the required form, finish and usable aperture.

Intermediate Metrology and Correction

Measured profile or error-map data are compared with the approved prescription, and corrective processing is applied when the material and error distribution support it.

Edging and Mechanical Features

Diameter, outline, bevels and reference features are completed in relation to the optical surface and specified datums.

Optical Coating

Cleaned components receive the approved transmissive, reflective or protective coating with appropriate masking and fixture control.

Final Inspection and Documentation

Dimensions, surface form, roughness, surface quality, centration and coating performance are verified according to the agreed plan before release.

Aspheric and Freeform Metrology and Quality Control

Complex optical surfaces require measurement methods that match their geometry, aperture, slope and tolerance. Inspection planning begins during drawing review so that the finished component and the acceptance report use the same coordinate system and surface definition.

Profile and Form Measurement

Taylor Hobson LuphoScan 260 HD and Mahr LD 260 profilometry capabilities can support profile or surface-form measurement for suitable component geometries.

Interferometric Testing with CGH

ZYGO interferometry with an appropriate CGH or test configuration can be used for qualified aspheric surfaces when the geometry and aperture support the setup.

Surface Topography and Roughness

Non-contact 3D surface measurements and roughness evaluation can be performed with suitable optical metrology, with scan area and filtering conditions defined in the report.

Centration and Datum Verification

Optical-axis or surface relationships are evaluated against the finished mechanical diameter, reference surface or mounting datum specified on the drawing.

Dimensional Inspection

Diameter or outline, thickness, edge geometry, bevels, hole locations and other mechanical features are checked against the approved drawing.

Surface Quality Inspection

Scratches, digs, pits, edge defects, coating defects and contamination are evaluated according to the stated cosmetic standard and clear aperture.

Coating Verification and Documentation

Transmission or reflection can be measured across the agreed spectral range, with dimensional reports, profile data, interferograms or coating curves supplied when included in the project requirements.

Aspheric and Freeform Manufacturing by Band Optics

Band Optics supports made-to-print complex optical components from initial technical review through prototype production, coating, inspection and repeat OEM manufacturing. The focus is on connecting the customer-defined optical surface with a practical process and an acceptance method that can be repeated.

Manufacturing from Customer Prescriptions

Surface equations, sag data, CAD geometry, datums and tolerances are reviewed as one controlled specification before production release.

Multiple Process Options

CNC generation, grinding, polishing, MRF and diamond turning can be evaluated according to substrate, geometry, surface finish and quantity.

Material and Coating Coordination

Material behavior, wavelength, local incidence angle and environmental requirements are considered when selecting the finishing and coating route.

Prototype and Repeat Production Support

Prototype builds establish tooling, fixtures, process settings and inspection methods that can be retained for pilot or recurring OEM orders.

Integrated Metrology Planning

Profile measurement, interferometry, roughness inspection, centration, dimensional inspection and spectral verification are coordinated with the drawing-controlled acceptance criteria.

Related Custom Optical Components

Aspheric and freeform components can be supplied alongside other made-to-print optics used in the same imaging, laser, sensing or analytical system. Coordinating substrate, coating, aperture and mechanical datums across related parts can simplify design communication and supplier management.

Custom Optical Lenses

Spherical, cylindrical, achromatic and ball lenses provide conventional focusing, one-axis beam control, chromatic correction and compact optical coupling.

Optical Windows

Flat, wedged, protective and infrared windows protect sensors or assemblies while maintaining transmission across the required spectral range.

Optical Mirrors

Flat, concave, convex and custom-shaped mirrors redirect or focus light using metallic or dielectric reflective coatings selected for the operating band.

Optical Prisms

Imaging, dispersing, steering and homogenizing prisms control beam direction, image orientation, spectral separation or illumination distribution.

10-related-components-07-optical-assemblies

Custom Optical Assemblies

Mounted optics and multi-element assemblies combine components within a defined mechanical interface and can include alignment and functional inspection requirements.

Custom Optical Lenses FAQs

Q What types of aspheric and freeform optics does Band Optics manufacture?

A Band Optics manufactures rotationally symmetric aspheric lenses, infrared aspheres, off-axis parabolic mirrors and non-rotationally symmetric freeform optical components. The available manufacturing route depends on the surface geometry, material, aperture, finish, coating and inspection requirements.
Q What information is required to quote a custom aspheric optic?

A Provide the drawing and surface prescription, including units, base radius, conic constant, polynomial coefficients or sag data, material, diameter or outline, thickness, clear aperture, surface form, surface quality, roughness, coating, quantity and acceptance method.
Q Can you manufacture from a CAD model or sag table?

A CAD geometry, sag tables and point data can be reviewed alongside the controlled drawing. The coordinate origin, axis orientation, units, sign convention, datums and the document that governs acceptance should be identified clearly.
Q Which materials are available for infrared aspheric lenses?

A Handbook-listed options include ZnSe, ZnS, silicon and CaF2, together with optical glass and fused silica for other spectral requirements. Material selection depends on wavelength, thermal conditions, geometry, finish and coating compatibility.
Q Can Band Optics manufacture off-axis parabolic mirrors?

A Yes, off-axis parabolic mirrors are included in the company's stated product capabilities. A quotation should define the parent focal length, off-axis distance or angle, aperture, substrate, surface requirements, coating and mechanical datums.
Q How are aspheric and freeform surfaces inspected?

A Inspection may use profile measurement, interferometry with an appropriate CGH or test setup, non-contact surface topography, roughness measurement and dimensional or centration inspection. The final method must match the component geometry and drawing.
Q Can you support prototypes before repeat production?

A Yes. A prototype can establish the tooling, fixtures, process route, coating method and inspection setup. After the prescription and acceptance criteria are approved, the same controlled information can support pilot and recurring OEM production.
Q What determines the achievable tolerance and component size?

A Achievable size and tolerance depend on material, aperture, surface departure, local slope, thickness, edge geometry, coating and measurement access. Because official Band Optics sources currently show different aspheric diameter ranges, the required size should be confirmed through engineering review rather than relying on one universal limit.

Submit Your Aspheric or Freeform Optic Requirements

Tell us what aspheres & freeforms you need and how we can contact you.

INFORMATION TO INCLUDE:

Component type, material, surface equation, sag data or CAD model, diameter or outline, thickness, wavelength, surface form, roughness, coating, quantity and inspection requirements.

If a drawing, prescription or test requirement is available, mention it in the requirements. Band Optics will follow up by email to obtain the file and confirm manufacturability.

Submit My Requirements

We have a highly skilled team that continues to design innovative new products as well as create cost-effective solutions to meet specifications, timelines and budgets.

CONTACT INFO

Tel: +86-159-5177-5819

Email: sales@nj-optics.com

Address: Industrial Park, No. 52 Tianyuan East Ave. Nanjing City, 211100, China

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