Have been a lurker on CPF forums reading up all the threads on aspheric lens mods with great interest. Finally gave in to temptation and ordered two lenses from surplus shed, should be arriving tomorrow!
In the meantime, have just found two links that have some additional info that i have not seen mentioned in the forums, yet.
This forum is simply a goldmine of information and excitement, never a dull moment!
1) Multi lens collimating system. Instead of having one very thick lens to collect as much light from the LED and focus into a parallel beam, why not split it into two? One meniscus lens to 'collect' as much light from LED as possible (up to 130 deg possible?), and the second to take this collected light and collimate into a parallel beam. This patent has a good description. Can also try searching for 'condenser lens' in google.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7175299.html
2) Another source for aspheric lens, quite expensive but seems high quality with AR coatings. Also check out the lens selection tutorial.
http://www.newport.com/Aspheric-Condenser-Lenses/141055/1033/catalog.aspx
http://www.newport.com/Lens-Selection-Guide/140908/1033/catalog.aspx
3) Another optics 101 link that i found, quite useful with interactive animations.
http://www.matter.org.uk/tem/lenses/electromagnetic_lenses.htm
Cheers!
Gavin
In the meantime, have just found two links that have some additional info that i have not seen mentioned in the forums, yet.
This forum is simply a goldmine of information and excitement, never a dull moment!
1) Multi lens collimating system. Instead of having one very thick lens to collect as much light from the LED and focus into a parallel beam, why not split it into two? One meniscus lens to 'collect' as much light from LED as possible (up to 130 deg possible?), and the second to take this collected light and collimate into a parallel beam. This patent has a good description. Can also try searching for 'condenser lens' in google.
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7175299.html
2) Another source for aspheric lens, quite expensive but seems high quality with AR coatings. Also check out the lens selection tutorial.
http://www.newport.com/Aspheric-Condenser-Lenses/141055/1033/catalog.aspx
http://www.newport.com/Lens-Selection-Guide/140908/1033/catalog.aspx
3) Another optics 101 link that i found, quite useful with interactive animations.
http://www.matter.org.uk/tem/lenses/electromagnetic_lenses.htm
Cheers!
Gavin
