OptoTech GL11 K9 Plano-Convex Lens with Broadband Anti-Reflection Coating (VIS, NIR, SWIR)

Overview

The OptoTech GL11 K9 Plano-Convex Lens is a precision-engineered optical component designed for high-fidelity collimation, focusing, and beam manipulation across visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral regions. Constructed from homogeneously annealed K9 borosilicate crown glass—a material characterized by excellent transmission from 350 nm to 2.0 µm, low thermal expansion, and high chemical stability—the lens adheres to stringent ISO 10110-3 surface form and ISO 10110-7 surface quality standards. Its plano-convex geometry provides a positive focal length and minimal spherical aberration when oriented with the convex surface facing the incident collimated beam—a configuration validated for use in laser alignment, interferometry, spectroscopic coupling, and imaging relay systems. Each lens undergoes full metrological verification including interferometric surface figure assessment, spectrophotometric coating performance validation, and mechanical dimensional inspection.

Key Features

• High-purity K9 optical glass substrate with certified refractive index (n_d = 1.5163) and Abbe number (ν_d = 64.2) per ISO 10110-1
• Three standardized broadband anti-reflection coating options: VIS (400–700 nm, R_avg < 0.5%), NIR (650–1050 nm, R_avg < 0.5%), and SWIR (1000–1650 nm, R_avg 5 J/cm² (1064 nm, 10 ns)
• Consistent geometric tolerances: diameter ±0.1 mm (tighter on request), center thickness ±0.2 mm, surface irregularity λ/4 @ 632.8 nm, centration ≤3 arcmin
• Controlled edge geometry with 0.2 mm × 45° protective chamfer to mitigate chipping during mounting and handling
• Available in 34 standard diameter–focal length combinations (3–100 mm diameter; 4.5–2000 mm EFL), all traceable to NIST-calibrated interferometric and mechanical measurement systems
• Compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GL11 series is compatible with industry-standard lens mounts—including kinematic cell holders (e.g., Thorlabs LM1, Newport 550 series), threaded retaining rings (M-series metric threads), and custom machined adapters—as referenced in OptoTech Mounting Guide Pg. 100. All coated variants meet MIL-C-48497A requirements for adhesion, humidity resistance (95% RH, 48 h), and abrasion resistance (Taber CS-10 wheel, 100 cycles). Uncoated lenses are suitable for applications requiring post-fabrication custom coatings or UV-enhanced transmission down to 350 nm. The product line supports ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services for focal length, radius of curvature, and transmitted wavefront error (TWE) upon request—enabling compliance with ISO 10110-5 and ASTM E1333-22 documentation protocols for regulated optical subsystems.

Software & Data Management

OptoTech provides downloadable Zemax OpticStudio-compatible lens data files (.zmx) and Code V prescription files (.cvp) for every GL11 variant, including full dispersion curves (Sellmeier coefficients), coating spectral reflectance/transmittance datasets (CSV format), and mechanical drawings (STEP and PDF). All optical performance data is archived in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 Clause 8.5.2 (Identification and Traceability) and supports audit-ready documentation for GLP/GMP environments. For integration into automated optical assembly lines, digital twin models and GD&T annotations (ASME Y14.5-2018) are available under NDA.

Applications

• Laser diode collimation and fiber coupling in telecom (1310/1550 nm) and industrial fiber laser systems (1064/1030 nm)
• Beam expansion and shaping in ultrafast Ti:sapphire and Yb:fiber amplifier chains
• Spectral filtering and detector illumination in FTIR, NIR process analyzers, and hyperspectral imaging platforms
• Objective and condenser elements in confocal microscopy and OCT systems operating in 800–1300 nm bands
• Alignment optics in vacuum-based EUV lithography tool subassemblies (non-exposed path)
• Reference optics in metrology-grade autocollimators and angle encoders requiring stable thermal and mechanical performance

FAQ

What is the maximum permissible power density for GL11 lenses in continuous-wave laser applications?

For uncoated K9 substrates, the damage threshold is ≥1 MW/cm² at 1064 nm (CW, TEM₀₀, 1/e² beam diameter ≥1 mm). For AR-coated variants, derating by 20% is recommended; consult the Coating Performance Datasheet (P/N OPT-GL11-COAT-DS) for wavelength- and pulse-duration-specific LIDT values.
Can GL11 lenses be used in vacuum environments?

Yes—K9 glass exhibits negligible outgassing (water vapor desorption rate <1×10⁻⁹ g/cm²·s per ASTM E595) and is qualified for UHV applications up to 10⁻⁷ Torr when cleaned per ISO 10110-7 Class 3 specifications.
Is custom diameter or focal length available?

Custom geometries (including non-standard diameters, EFLs, or aspheric modifications) are supported under OptoTech’s OEM Engineering Services program (lead time: 6–10 weeks; MOQ: 25 pcs).
How is coating uniformity verified across the lens aperture?

Each batch undergoes spectral mapping using a 5-point radial scan (center + 0.3/0.5/0.7/0.9 radii) with a calibrated UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometer (PerkinElmer Lambda 1050+); results are reported in the Certificate of Conformance.
Do you provide mounting hardware recommendations?

Yes—OptoTech publishes an updated Mounting Compatibility Matrix (Rev. 2024-Q3) listing torque specifications, thermal expansion matching, and axial preload guidelines for all standard lens cells and retaining rings referenced in Pg. 100 of the General Catalog.