aspheric meniscus lens WFOV telescope assembly

Product Description

Surplus Precision Aspheric Meniscus Lens from U.S. Government Research Laboratory – WFOV Telescope Assembly L1

This rare, custom-fabricated aspheric meniscus lens is the L1 (Lens 1) component from a Wide Field of View (WFOV) Telescope Assembly, originally developed in 2010 for a U.S. Government Research Laboratory’s advanced optics R&D. Sourced from government surplus, it features dual-sided aspheric profiles for superior aberration correction, making it ideal for high-performance imaging systems. The lens was precision-coated by Barr Associates (now Materion Precision Optics) , a leader in thin-film optics, with separate production runs for the front (R1) and rear (R2) surfaces, enhancing transmission and reducing reflections—optimized for visible to near-infrared wavelengths. With traceable provenance via original labels (included), this is a collector’s or engineer’s gem for prototyping or integration into custom setups.

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Condition

PRISTINE, UNUSED SURPLUS
SEALED UNTIL RECENTLY OPENED FOR INSPECTION
NO DEFECTS, SCRATCHES, OR IMPERFECTIONS
HIGH-POLISH SURFACES WITH UNIFORM ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATINGS
ORIGINAL CERTIFICATION LABELS INCLUDED

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Key Specifications

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Optical Design Advantages

The aspheric meniscus design (convex-concave) with dual-sided aspheric profiles provides exceptional aberration correction:

• Minimized Coma, Astigmatism, and Distortion: Critical for wide-field applications where standard spherical lenses introduce image degradation .

• Wide Field of View: Engineered for WFOV performance (10-20°+ fields in full assemblies), enabling broad-area imaging without bulky corrector elements .

• Compact Form Factor: The meniscus shape allows for positive converging power in a relatively thin package .

• Thermal Stability: Fused silica substrate ensures minimal focus shift with temperature changes—essential for precision instrumentation .

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Applications & Versatility

Defense and Surveillance Prototypes:
As a front corrector in WFOV imaging sensors for remote sensing, UAV/drone cameras, or satellite tracking—corrects off-axis aberrations for broad-area monitoring without additional elements .

Astronomy and Space Instrumentation:
Integrates into compact telescopes or star trackers for asteroid detection or celestial navigation, leveraging aspheric design for uniform focus across wide angles .

Scientific Research and Lab Setups:
Ideal for electro-optics experiments, laser radar testing, or multi-spectral imaging (visible/IR)—pair with detectors for thermal or low-light studies .

Custom Optics Builds:
DIY or professional use in catadioptric systems, machine vision, or microscopy prototypes—long focal length enables detailed, distortion-free imaging .

Educational and Hobbyist Projects:
Perfect for optics demonstrations, telescope modifications, or STEM kits—demonstrates advanced aberration correction in a compact form factor .