Flashlight lens material

[pezdragon]

For those so inclined I found that Edmund optics (EDMUNDOPTICS.COM) sells small sheets and some disks of 3mm thick AR glass. With a little work dozens of windows could be cut from a 8"x10" ($42) sheet for less than a buck each. I happen to be fortunate to have limited acess to a glass grinder and plan to replace some of mine. The transmission looks good for a typical Cree emiter, peaking better than 98% from 450-600 nanometers. Sorry if this has already been posted, Pez. Here's the specs:


TECHSPEC® High Efficiency Anti-Reflection Coated Windows

Float Glass

Dimensional Tolerance
±0.76mm length and width

Thickness
1mm or 3mm nominal

Edges
Seamed

Coating
Multi-layer AR coating both sides

Transmission
96-99% (400-700nm)

Reflection
<=0.50%

 

[darkzero]

It's possible but time consuming unless you have the correct tools to easily cut them. Years ago I used to make my own lenses out of microscope slides & a dremel using diamond bits. Only did this cause the lenses I needed were not available I had everything on hand.

Now that there are sources around even for custom sizes I don't think I would ever cut my own size lenses again. Labor is not worth it IMO.

But I'd sure like to see your results.