Large-sized Machining Capability

Large-sized optical lenses (typically referring to optical components with diameters ranging from tens of centimeters to several meters) play a critical role in modern optical technology, with applications spanning multiple fields such as astronomical observation, laser physics, industrial manufacturing, and medical equipment. The following elaborates on application scenarios, function, and typical cases:

1，Enhanced Light Collection Capability

Principle: Larger lens size corresponds to a larger light-aperture (effective area), enabling the collection of more light energy.

Application Scenarios:

Astronomical Observation: For example, the 18 large-sized beryllium lenses of the James Webb Telescope capture faint starlight from 13 billion light-years away by expanding the light-gathering area.

2，Upgraded Optical Resolution and Imaging Precision

Principle: According to the Rayleigh criterion, the larger the lens aperture, the higher the diffraction-limited resolution (formula: θ≈1.22λ/D, where D is the lens diameter).

Application Scenarios:

Remote Sensing Satellites: Large-sized objective lenses (e.g., the 2.4-meter lens of the U.S. Keyhole satellite) can resolve ground targets at the 0.1-meter scale.

3，Modulation of Light Phase, Amplitude, and Polarization

Technical Realization: Wavefront characteristics of light are altered through surface shape design (e.g., parabolic, aspheric surfaces) or coating processes on the lens.

Typical Applications:

Gravitational Wave Detectors (LIGO): Large-sized fused silica lenses maintain the phase stability of laser interference through high-precision surface shapes (errors <1 nanometer).

Polarization Optical Systems: Large-sized polarizers or wave plates are used in laser processing equipment to control the polarization state of lasers and optimize material processing effects.