Edge-Blackened Optics

Why Use Edge-Blackened Optics?

Edge-blackened optics are designed to increase contrast and reduce noise in imaging and electro-optical systems. The blackened edges prevent light from exiting a mounted optic, reflecting off the metal fixturing, and being re-imaged through the optical assembly.

Avoid Stray-Light and Improve Contrast.

To avoid stray-light and improve contrast, we often blacken the edges of components in our optical assemblies and sub-assemblies. When we heard from an increasing number of customers that they were doing the same on components they were integrating into a wide array of applications, ranging from electronic inspection and semiconductor processing to flow cytometry and drug discovery, we knew this was a service we had to offer.

Offered in our Standard Product Line.

Offering the edge-blackening as a standard option eliminates a labor-intensive step in integrating the optics into OEM assemblies. Without the appropriate equipment and skilled opticians, it’s quite a difficult and expensive process to do while maintaining the dimensional tolerances, clear aperture, and centration, all critical specifications for ensuring high quality optical assemblies and sub-assemblies.

Available for Small or Large Quantities.

Available off-the shelf for most of our TECHSPEC® VIS 0° Achromatic and Singlet Lenses, the blackening service is available to all transmissive components through our Quik Mod program, which allows rapid turnaround of modified catalog components in small quantities. Typically, 10 pieces or fewer can have edges blackened, a metal or AR coating applied, or the circumference reduced within two weeks of receiving an order.

To learn more about the benefits of Edge-Blackened optics, visit our technical library to read our informative Edge-Blackened article.