Flat-plate Cylindrical Lens Array PBCLA25-976-5

Overview

This Flat-plate Cylindrical Lens Array is a planar diffractive element that performs one-dimensional beam shaping and homogenization. An array of cylindrical microlenses is patterned into a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) film sandwiched between two N-BK7 window plates; the arrayed radial phase distribution provides the cylindrical optical power. Each cylindrical lenslet spans a unit footprint of 1 mmx25.4 mm across the Ø25.4 mm substrate, so the overall element diameter refers to the full plate — not to a single lenslet. The single-wavelength design is free of spherical aberration, and depending on the incident circular-polarization handedness the array yields a converging or diverging output. This unit operates at 976 nm with a per-lenslet focal length of 5 mm.

Applications

• One-dimensional beam homogenization and flat-top line generation
• Laser line generation and structured illumination
• Semiconductor / diode-bar laser collimation and beam shaping
• Machine-vision and imaging illumination
• Polarization-controlled cylindrical focusing in compact planar assemblies

Construction & Performance

The array has a flat plate form (overall thickness 3.2 mm) with no ground curved surface: the cylindrical power of every lenslet is produced by the graded orientation of the liquid crystal molecules, enabling micron-level fabrication precision together with large dispersion. An anti-reflection coating on the incident surface supports high transmittance and diffraction efficiency. Key specifications for this model:

• Optical element diameter: Ø25.4 mm
• Thickness: 3.2 mm
• Operating Wavelength: 976 nm
• Focal Length: 5 mm
• Clear Aperture: Ø21.5 mm
• Microlens unit size: 1 mmx25.4 mm
• Substrate Material: N-BK7/ Liquid Crystal Polymer
• Diffraction Efficiency: >98%
• Surface Quality (Scratch/Dig): 60/40
• AR Coating: Ravg<0.5% @700-1100 nm
• Transmittance: >98%
• Operating Temperature: -20 deg C to 60 deg C

Storage & Handling

Handle the element by its edges and avoid contact with the clear aperture. Keep the optical surfaces free of dust and fingerprints; when cleaning is needed, use clean optical-grade solvents and lens tissue. Note the orientation of the lenslet axis when mounting so the shaped line lies in the intended plane. Store in the original container in a clean, dry environment within the rated operating temperature range, away from direct sunlight, condensation and corrosive vapors.