Freeform Optics

Overview

Freeform Optics Enable a New Wave of Integration

Freeform optics, as their name implies, are free from any constraints of symmetry in their form and shape. Freeform systems provide better optical performance than traditional designs which are key to applications such as augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), automotive LIDAR and military optical systems and medical technologies.

As an emerging technology for some time, freeforms have been limited by manufacturing technology until today. Recent advancements in CNC machining now allow the production of small quantities of freeform optics, but do not provide an adequate solution for volume production.

At LightPath Technologies, we’ve taken decades of experience in precision molding of lenses and extended this technology to begin producing high volume, precision molded freeform optics.

Since our early days as Geltech Corporation over 25 years ago, LightPath has been the leader of precision molded optics, continuously innovating and pushing the limits of precision glass molding. Today, leveraging our positioning in three continents, our capacity to produce millions of molded lenses can be further broadened to support high volume applications with precision molded freeform optics.

Specs

The following chart depicts the specifications range we currently offer for custom freeform optics. Please note: With the flexibility of being fully vertically integrated (we even produce our own molding machines), we are constantly looking to expand these capabilities and push the limits further. If your application requires specifications different than the chart below, please contact us to discuss.

Freeform Tolerance Chart

ParameterSpecification
MaterialGlass
Diameter (mm)+/-0.015
Clear Aperture90% of outer diameter
Center Thickness (mm)+/-0.030
Surface Error P-V (nm)<1000
Surface Error RMS (nm)<300
Surface Roughness (nm)<3
Scratch Dig40-20
AR CoatingStandard multilayer broadband coatings and custom available

Materials

Similar to our molded aspheric lenses, our molded freeform optics can be produced from a range of materials in the visible, NIR, SWIR, MWIR and LWIR wavelengths. Please see below key information on available glass, with more detailed information available on our Materials page.

Index and Dispersion of LightPath Moldable Glasses

Metrology

LightPath has developed the metrology necessary to test new lenses using computer-generated holograms (CGH) to accurately measure freeform optics in production volume as well as contact profilometry methods to ensure consistent quality and performance.

The use of CGH allows us to transform a spheric wavefront into a custom wavefront designed to match the surface of the freeform optics. Once it is reflected and passes through the CGH again, a spherical wavefront is recreated, which is then measured using our standard interferometers.

Capabilities

Read the latest press release about LightPath’s Freeform Optics.

Award

2022 PRISM Award Winner: Manufacturing & Test Category

LightPath developed an innovative approach utilizing precision glass molding technology

to mass-produce smaller, lighter & more cost-effective FreeForm Optics.  

Each year, the Prism Awards reflect the latest exciting developments, exponential growth, and rich technical innovations across
photonics & photonics-enabled industries. For consideration in this year’s awards, SPIE received 120 applications from 18 countries.

Enable future performance with Freeform Optics…contact LightPath to get started today.