Custom High Precision Optical Spherical Ball for Imaging System

Custom High Precision Optical Spherical Ball for Imaging System

Precision optical spherical balls are fundamental components engineered for advanced imaging systems and optical applications, serving as critical elements where exact light control and minimal distortion are paramount.

1. Material & Manufacturing

These spherical balls are manufactured from premium optical materials including:

• Optical Glass (N-BK7/Borofloat): Delivering excellent transmission from visible to near-infrared spectra

• Fused Silica: Providing superior UV transmission and thermal stability

• Sapphire: Offering extreme hardness and chemical resistance for demanding environments

• Precision Fabrication: Utilizing advanced grinding and polishing techniques to achieve perfect sphericity

2. Key Properties & Characteristics

• Exceptional Sphericity: Typically better than 0.0001 inches for perfect geometrical accuracy

• Superior Surface Quality: Achieving 10-5 scratch-dig specifications or better

• Precise Diameter Control: Maintaining tolerances within ±0.0001" to ±0.001"

• High Thermal Stability: Minimal thermal expansion coefficient ensuring consistent performance

• Broad Spectral Transmission: Optimized for specific wavelength ranges from UV to IR

3. Primary Function & Optical Performance

Precision spherical balls serve multiple critical functions:

• Beam Focusing: Acting as ball lenses for light concentration and collimation

• Image Relay: Transmitting visual information in endoscopic and borescope systems

• Optical Coupling: Enhancing light transfer between optical components

• System Alignment: Providing reference spheres for optical axis calibration

4. Application & Uses

These precision components are essential across various industries:

• Medical Imaging: Endoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, and medical diagnostic equipment

• Industrial Inspection: Borescopes, machine vision systems, and quality control instruments

• Laser Systems: Fiber optic couplings, laser diode collimation, and beam steering

• Defense & Aerospace: Targeting systems, surveillance equipment, and navigation instruments

• Research & Development: Microscopy, spectroscopy, and experimental optical setups

• Telecommunications: Optical fiber alignment and signal processing devices

Precision optical spherical balls represent vital elements in modern optical engineering, delivering reliable performance where exceptional sphericity, surface quality, and optical properties are crucial for system success and image clarity.