CONVEX LENSES
Süd-Optik Schirmer GmbH has been a leading international manufacturer of convex lenses for more than 50 years. With our many years of experience, we manufacture and produce convex lenses that are used in many different areas. Customer satisfaction is extremely important to us. That is why we attach great importance to working closely with our customers from product development to industrial production. Thanks to the technical know-how of our convex lens specialists, using the most state-of-the-art machines and processes, we can ensure that all the convex lenses we manufacture are identical.
Convex lenses can be made from different materials. Which material is best depends on what it will be used for. If you are still unsure which material to choose, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our convex lens specialists will be happy to help you find the right material for you.
Süd-Optik Schirmer GmbH is your contact when you need top-quality, bespoke convex lenses.
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Convex Lenses – FAQ
Convex lenses – what are they?
Convex lenses are a type of optical lens. Optical lenses can change the path of light due to their shape and refractive material. As a rule, the lenses are equally curved and can be: convex, concave or flat (without curvature). The principle of the lenses is the same: a ray of light enters on one side of the lens and exits on the other side.
Convex lenses, also known as converging lenses, are transparent bodies and are mostly made of glass or plastic (i.e. refractive). Convex lenses are optical lenses that cause rays of light to converge on a specific point. How the light rays are made to converge by a convex lens depends on how the light rays hit the lens. Light rays that hit a convex lens in the upper area are directed downward on the other side. This means that light rays that hit a convex lens in the lower area travel upward on the other side. Light rays that hit a convex lens in the middle also exit the other side of the lens from the middle. The rays converge behind the lens. The way in which the light rays enter one side of a convex lens and exit the other side depends on the surface of the convex lens.
Convex lenses – how are they differentiated?
Convex lenses are curved outward by definition. In addition, convex lenses are thicker in the middle and sharper and thinner towards the edge. The closer to the outer edge that a ray of light enters a convex lens, the more the light is refracted. The light that enters a convex lens is refracted. As a result, the light rays converge behind the convex lens, creating a focal point. It cannot be determined from the external shape of a lens alone whether it is a convex lens or a concave lens. In particular, if optical lenses are filled with liquid or consist of different substances, a more detailed examination is required to determine what kind of lens it is.
Convex lenses – what are they used for?
Convex lenses are used in various situations in our everyday lives. Above all, convex lenses are used for spectacles and contact lenses. Convex lenses are used in spectacles to correct longsightedness. In hyperopia, also known as longsightedness, the eyeball is too short, which causes light rays to converge behind the retina. Therefore, a sharp image can no longer be reproduced. Convex lenses shorten the path of the light until the rays meet behind the lens, i.e. towards the focal point. This brings the image back into focus on the retina. The thickness of the glass determines how strongly the light is focused. This is important if the dioptre value of each eye is different and the lenses have to be adjusted differently depending on the weakness of each eye. Concave lenses are used for shortsightedness. With the help of concave and convex lenses, impaired vision can be improved so that eyesight can be 100% restored. Of course, convex lenses are not only used as visual aids. In most cases they are used for cameras, microscopes and telescopes.
Convex lenses – what types are there?
Convex lenses can be divided into three different types: - Plano-convex lenses: one side of the convex lens is flat, the other side is curved outwards. This type of convex lens is used in magnifying glasses. - Biconvex lenses: both sides of the convex lens are curved outwards. - Concave-convex lens: one side of the convex lens is curved inwards and the other is curved outwards. This type of convex lens is used for visual aids. In the case of the concave-convex lens, it is important to note that the convex side is curved more than the concave side. If the curvature is reversed, it is a concave lens, also known as a diverging lens.
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Plano-convex lenses: one side of the lens is flat, the other side is curved outwards. This type of convex lens is used in magnifying glasses.
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Biconvex lenses: both sides of the lens are curved outwards.
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Concave-convex lens: one side of the lens is curved inwards and the other is curved outwards. This type of convex lens is used for visual aids. In the case of the concave-convex lens, it is important to note that the convex side is curved more than the concave side. If the curvature is reversed, it is a concave lens, also known as a diverging lens.
