Products Home / Optical Elements / Optical Lenses / Spherical Singlet Lenses / Plano-Convex Spherical Lenses / PTFE Plano-Convex LensesPTFE Plano-Convex Lenses
- Ideally Suited for THz Applications
- Low Insertion Loss
- Design Frequency: 500 GHz
LAT075
Ø2"
LAT100
Ø50 mm
Application Idea
LAT115 Mounted in an LMR3
LAT150
Ø3"
LAT200
Ø4"
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This graph shows the attenuation coefficient of PTFE as given by the Beer-Lambert law.
Features
- Material: Polytetrafluoroethylene (Virgin White PTFE)
- Ideal for Use in the Terahertz (THz) Band
- Available Sizes: Ø50 mm, Ø2", Ø3", and Ø4"
- Focal Lengths Available from 75 to 500 mm
We provide plastic plano-convex lenses made with Polytetrafluoroethylene (Virgin White PTFE), which has a low dielectric constant of approximately 1.96 at 520 GHz and an index of refraction of approximately 1.4. The f/#, inversely proportionate to the NA, is held relatively constant across the selection of lenses on the page. PTFE has a low dielectric constant, which ensures that the insertion loss is reasonably low. The typical operating range of PTFE is up to ~2 THz. We also offer a range of TPX THz lenses for applications requiring lower attenuation, different sizes, or different NAs than those available in our PTFE line of lenses.
The Terahertz (THz) range can be expressed as the frequency range from 300 GHz to 10 THz, or the wavelength range of 30 μm to 1 mm. Until recently, the THz range was a relatively unused part of the electromagnetic spectrum; however, in recent years the THz band has been gaining popularity in applications such as spectroscopy, astronomy, remote sensing, and in security (THz imaging). The THz band is situated between microwaves and optics on the electromagnetic spectrum. This location influences the mixture of microwave and optical technologies used in the THz band.
| Common Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Material | PTFEa Dielectric Constant: 1.96 at 520 GHz |
| Design Frequency | 500 GHz |
| Surface Irregularity for Ø50 mm Lenses |
<10 μm, corresponding to λ/20 at 1.5 THz |
| Transmitted Wavefront Error for Ø2", Ø3", and Ø4" Lenses |
<60 μm, corresponding to λ/10 at 500 GHz |
| Diameter Tolerance | +0.0/-0.2 mm |
| Center Thickenss Tolerance | ±0.20 mm |
| Surface Quality | 60-40 Scratch-Dig |
| Spherical Surface Powerb | 0.0025λ |
| Centration | <3 arcmin |
| Clear Aperture | >85% of diameter |
| Quick Links to Other Spherical Singlets | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plano-Convex | Bi-Convex | Best Form | Plano-Concave | Bi-Concave | Positive Meniscus | Negative Meniscus |
| Recommended Mounting Options for Thorlabs Lenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø2 mm to Ø10 mm Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| (Various) | Fixed Lens Mounts and Mini-Series Fixed Lens Mounts for Small Optics, Ø5 mm to Ø10 mm | |
| (Various) | Small Optic Adapters for Use with Standard Fixed Lens Mounts, Ø2 mm to Ø10 mm | |
| Item # | Mounts for Ø1/2" (Ø12.7 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR05 | LMR05/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| MLH05 | MLH05/M | Mini-Series Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| LM05XY | LM05XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø1/2" Optics |
| SCP05 | 16 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø1/2" Optics | |
| (Various) | Ø1/2" Lens Tubes, Optional SM05RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø1" (Ø25.4 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR1 | LMR1/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics |
| LM1XY | LM1XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø1" Optics |
| ST1XY-S | ST1XY-S/M | Translating Lens Mount with Micrometer Drives (Other Drives Available) |
| CXY1A | 30 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø1" Optics | |
| (Various) | Ø1" Lens Tubes, Optional SM1RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Mount for Ø1.5" Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR1.5 | LMR1.5/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø1.5" Optics |
| (Various) | Ø1.5" Lens Tubes, Optional SM1.5RR Retaining Ring for Ø1.5" Lens Tubes and Mounts |
|
| Item # | Mounts for Ø2" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LMR2 | LMR2/M | Fixed Lens Mount for Ø2" Optics |
| LM2XY | LM2XY/M | Translating Lens Mount for Ø2" Optics |
| CXY2 | 60 mm Cage System, XY Translation Mount for Ø2" Optics |
|
| (Various) | Ø2" Lens Tubes, Optional SM2RRC Retaining Ring for High-Curvature Lenses (See Below) |
|
| Item # | Adjustable Optic Mounts | |
| Imperial | Metric | |
| LH1 | LH1/M | Adjustable Mount for Ø0.28" (Ø7.1 mm) to Ø1.80" (Ø45.7 mm) Optics |
| LH2 | LH2/M | Adjustable Mount for Ø0.77" (Ø19.6 mm) to Ø2.28" (Ø57.9 mm) Optics |
| VG100 | VG100/M | Adjustable Clamp for Ø0.5" (Ø13 mm) to Ø3.5" (Ø89 mm) Optics |
| SCL03 | SCL03/M | Self-Centering Mount for Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm) Optics |
| SCL04 | SCL04/M | Self-Centering Mount for Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø3.00" (Ø76.2 mm) Optics |
| LH160C | LH160C/M | Adjustable Mount for 60 mm Cage Systems, Ø0.50" (Ø13 mm) to Ø2.00" (Ø50.8 mm) Optics |
| SCL60CA | SCL60C/M | Self-Centering Mount for 60 mm Cage Systems, Ø0.15" (Ø3.8 mm) to Ø1.77" (Ø45.0 mm) Optics |
Mounting High-Curvature Optics
Thorlabs' retaining rings are used to secure unmounted optics within lens tubes or optic mounts. These rings are secured in position using a compatible spanner wrench. For flat or low-curvature optics, standard retaining rings manufactured from anodized aluminum are available from Ø5 mm to Ø4". For high-curvature optics, extra-thick retaining rings are available in Ø1/2", Ø1", and Ø2" sizes.
Extra-thick retaining rings offer several features that aid in mounting high-curvature optics such as aspheric lenses, short-focal-length plano-convex lenses, and condenser lenses. As shown in the animation to the right, the guide flange of the spanner wrench will collide with the surface of high-curvature lenses when using a standard retaining ring, potentially scratching the optic. This contact also creates a gap between the spanner wrench and retaining ring, preventing the ring from tightening correctly. Extra-thick retaining rings provide the necessary clearance for the spanner wrench to secure the lens without coming into contact with the optic surface.
| Posted Comments: | |
Yoni Dallal
(posted 2023-09-20 17:26:22.557) Hi,
The largest PTFE lens currently in the catalog has a diameter of 100mm and the largest TPX lens has a diameter of 50mm.
Is it possible to manufacture a custom lens of much larger diameter, either PTFE or TPX? What is the absolute size limit?
As an example, https://microwaveeng.com/product/horn-lens-antennas/ has 12.5 inch lens. Can you create a similar or larger lens for millimeter-wave frequencies?
Thanks! jdelia
(posted 2023-09-21 03:28:53.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I have reached out to you directly to discuss the feasibility of this customized item request. Marta Ferreras
(posted 2023-02-15 01:36:50.133) Could you provide 2-inch or 50-mm diameter lens with F=50 mm or lower?
Thanks. cdolbashian
(posted 2023-02-17 09:32:14.0) Thank you for reaching out to us Marta! I have contacted you directly to discuss this custom with you. For future custom inquiries, please feel free to email TechSales@thorlabs.com. user
(posted 2021-07-14 00:35:02.37) About LAT075:
- It says design frequency is 500 GHz. Would it work properly at 300 GHz?
- Is its transmittance equal to T=exp(-0.4*1.69) =~51%? cdolbashian
(posted 2021-07-20 01:17:12.0) Thank you for contacting us at Thorlabs! These would indeed work at 300GHz, and the transmission would follow the Beer-Lambert law as shown on the page. You have calculated this estimation of the transmission correctly. user
(posted 2021-05-07 10:23:44.67) I could not open the .ZMX file of your products, could you please send the Zemax Glass Catalog File named "Thorlabs.agf" to my email? Thank you. YLohia
(posted 2021-05-10 08:09:29.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Our Zemax catalog can be downloaded here: https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/ViewSoftwarePage.cfm?Code=Zemax. Lili Chen
(posted 2019-09-02 14:42:48.437) Hi,
I am quite interested in your Teflon lens products. Since the angular separation between my two beams are around 50 degrees. I cannot find a suitable product from your list.
Could you make Teflon lens with diameter ~50mm and focal length 50mm as well?
Thanks much,
Lili YLohia
(posted 2019-09-04 09:24:06.0) Hello Lili, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. Custom items can be requested by emailing techsupport@thorlabs.com. I have reached out to you directly to discuss the possibility of offering this. user
(posted 2019-06-24 08:09:04.683) Can you please check the step file dimensions. All of the PTFE lens step files seems to have incorrect dimensions. i.e 4'' lens is 3.98 mm mmcclure
(posted 2019-07-18 02:29:45.0) Hello, thank you very much for your feedback. The STEP files for these products have been corrected. zxzhaohui
(posted 2018-09-11 13:45:36.93) We need customized curvature of PTFE lens for our application (like f=500mm with CA of 100mm, and f=300 with CA of 75mm). Can you manufacture this? Please contact me with email. I would like to know the price. nbayconich
(posted 2018-09-19 04:02:30.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We can provide these custom PTFE lenses. I will contact you directly with more information about our custom capabilities. daniel.whiting
(posted 2018-05-23 07:31:28.14) Hi, please could you provide the measured refractive index data across the band. Kind regards, Daniel nbayconich
(posted 2018-05-25 04:19:55.0) Thank you for contacting Thorlabs. We do not have any data regarding the refractive index as a function of wavelength this PTFE material. The refractive index of the PTFE is approximately 1.43 from 0.25 THz to 2.5 Thz. Most of the loss in these lenses will be absorption based rather than from surface reflections. jianzhu.ju
(posted 2018-01-15 07:34:21.33) Dear Sir or Madam,
I don't understand the units in the absorbtion data cm-1. Is that supposed to be something %.
And also, can I use this lense as a regular one to focus THz? Anything I need to concern? tfrisch
(posted 2018-03-29 05:14:32.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I am working with our Marketing Team to update the clarity of the units. The give data are for the absorbance coefficient in the Beer-Lambert law. T=e^(-μl) where T is internal transmission, e is Euler's constant, μ is the attenuation coefficient, and l is the distance through which the light travels in the absorbing medium. I will reach out to you to discuss this directly. bdeng
(posted 2017-02-21 20:01:32.487) Dear support:
I need some THz lenses made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) or TPX plastics. Is it possible you can help? If so we can send you the design. We need at the moment 17 each of a design with 3.5" CA and 150 mm focal length.
I am also wondering why your standard THz lenses are made of PTFE, instead of HDPE or TPX, which have less absorption for THz waves.
Best regards,
Bihe Deng
Tri Alpha Energy, Inc. tfrisch
(posted 2017-02-27 08:23:53.0) Hello, thank you for contacting Thorlabs. I will reach out to you directly to discuss this custom application. cristina.martinez-g
(posted 2016-02-19 12:10:35.613) We would need to use 50mm diameter lenses with shorter focal lenghts. It would be possible to have an f=50mm with 2" diameter?
Thank you very much,
cristina besembeson
(posted 2016-03-03 04:21:48.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: We are able to provide such custom designed lenses. I will contact you for a quotation. robin.lee
(posted 2015-07-26 07:27:39.07) Hello,
Would it be possible for you guys to custom make "LAT200"? I need this focal length for a 2x beam expansion. By the way, do you happen to have the Zemax lens catalog and material catalog for these PTFE lenses?
Cheers,
Robin. besembeson
(posted 2015-08-19 09:22:11.0) Response from Bweh at Thorlabs USA: Yes we can do such a custom focal length. We have refractive index data in the 0.1-1.6 THz range. I will followup by email. jlow
(posted 2012-09-28 09:39:00.0) Response from Jeremy at Thorlabs: We do not have data on the permittivity in that frequency range. I was able to find a reference paper online which states a relative permittivity of 2.07 at 100GHz for PTFE. y.u.sevincli
(posted 2012-09-20 11:02:28.0) I'm looking for permittivity data for the PTFE that you used for LAT100 lens between 30-120 GHz. Can anybody please send that data or suggest a source about that? jjurado
(posted 2011-05-10 15:22:00.0) Response from Javier at Thorlabs to matthias.hoffmann: Thank you very much for your feedback. We may be able to provide PTFE lenses that comply with your requirements. I will contact you directly to get more details. matthias.c.hoffmann
(posted 2011-05-10 11:28:41.0) It would be useful to offer some immediate focal length (like 150 and 200 mm) and maybe also slightly larger diameters like 65 mm or 3 inch.
If you are able to offer 2 inch dia/200 mm focal length lenses as custom product, please feel free to contact me. Laurie
(posted 2009-01-07 15:35:54.0) Response from Laurie at Thorlabs to daniel: Thank you for your interest in our PTFE optics. We have made custom PTFE lenses in the past. A member of our technical support staff will contact you to obtain more information about your specific needs (dimensions, tolerances, quantity, etc.) daniel
(posted 2009-01-07 13:21:22.0) I have a question about your PTFE lenses. We have a need for PTFE optics larger than 50 mm diameter. Can you make custom sizes, for example a six-inch diameter? What would be the cost and delivery time for a custom order of this type? As a first guess, Id specify the tolerances to be the same as those you specify for your stock products. Laurie
(posted 2008-10-01 12:10:52.0) Response from Laurie at Thorlabs to Zachary: Thank you for your interest in our products. We may be able to provide 100 mm diameter lenses of varying focal lengths. Someone from our technical support staff will contact you shortly, as we would need a drawing showing the dimensions and tolerances you require as well as the quantity needed prior to providing a formal quotation. Zachary.Taylor
(posted 2008-10-01 03:12:48.0) Do you guys fill custom orders say for a 100 mm diamter lens with different focal lengths? |
| Item #a | Diameter | Focal Length | Diopterb | Radius of Curvature | Center Thickness | Edge Thicknessc | Back Focal Length | Reference Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LAT075 | 2" | 75 mm | +13.3 | 32.25 mm | 16.9 mm | 4.6 mm | 63.2 mm |  |
| LAT100 | 50.0 mm | 100 mm | +10.0 | 40.0 mm | 13.8 mm | 5.0 mm | 95.0 mm | |
| LAT300 | 50.0 mm | 300 mm | +3.3 | 120.0 mm | 7.6 mm | 5.0 mm | 295.0 mm | |
| LAT500 | 50.0 mm | 500 mm | +2.0 | 200.0 mm | 6.6 mm | 5.0 mm | 495.0 mm |
Additional Plano-Convex Spherical Lenses
PTFE, THz Lenses