CUSTOM OPTICAL ASSEMBLIES
Integrated Optical Solutions for Specialized Imaging Systems
Mosaic Optoelectronics develops custom optical assemblies when the required system behavior depends on more than a single optical element.
SYSTEM-LEVEL OPTICS
When Multiple Optical Functions Must Work Together
Some imaging problems require several optical elements to work as a coordinated system. Their spacing, orientation, material properties, polarization behavior, and mechanical packaging can all affect the final result.
Combine Optical Functions
Multiple elements can be arranged to provide beam displacement, polarization control, filtering, or other optical behavior within one assembly.
Control Orientation
Crystal axes, polarization directions, element rotation, and alignment may need to be controlled relative to one another.
Fit the Imaging System
Optical elements can be packaged around the mechanical envelope, clear aperture, optical path, and integration requirements of the camera or instrument.
FROM COMPONENTS TO ASSEMBLY
The Interfaces Between Elements Matter
An optical assembly is not simply a collection of individual optics. The relationship between those optics is part of the design.
Element order, spacing, orientation, mechanical retention, cleanliness, and alignment can all influence optical performance.
These considerations are especially important when birefringent or polarization-sensitive elements are incorporated into a common package.
Exploded view or photograph showing several optical elements, spacers, retainers, or mounting components.
ASSEMBLY CAPABILITIES
Developed Around the Optical and Mechanical Requirement
The appropriate assembly method depends on the component materials, geometry, alignment requirements, optical interfaces, and the way the assembly will be integrated into the larger system.
Multi-Element Stacks
Several optical elements can be arranged in a defined sequence to produce the required combined optical behavior.
Orientation Control
Element rotation and optical-axis orientation can be controlled where polarization or birefringent behavior depends on alignment.
Mechanical Packaging
Optical components can be integrated with housings, spacers, retainers, and other mechanical features required by the system.
Verification
Assembly geometry, orientation, cleanliness, and other relevant characteristics can be checked as part of the manufacturing process.
ASSEMBLY DESIGN
Optical Performance and Packaging Must Be Considered Together
A successful assembly must satisfy both the optical requirements and the practical constraints of fabrication, alignment, handling, and installation.
Optical Geometry
Clear aperture, element spacing, optical path length, orientation, and element sequence can influence system behavior.
Material Compatibility
Crystal materials, optical glass, coatings, adhesives, spacers, and housings may introduce different mechanical and optical constraints.
Manufacturability
Assembly design should allow components to be positioned, handled, measured, cleaned, and reproduced in a practical manufacturing process.
CUSTOM CONFIGURATIONS
Assembly Geometry Can Vary With the Application
The finished form may be determined by the optical path, component geometry, mounting interface, required aperture, and available space inside the imaging system.
Photograph of a completed multi-element optical assembly.
Example showing another assembly shape, package, or optical configuration.
ASSEMBLY AND VERIFICATION
Build, Inspect, and Confirm
Assembly quality depends on controlling the relationships between components as carefully as the components themselves.
During assembly, relevant dimensions, orientation, seating, cleanliness, and mechanical condition can be checked to support repeatable construction.
The specific verification methods depend on the optical function, geometry, materials, and customer requirements.
POSSIBLE VERIFICATION POINTS
- Element order and orientation
- Assembly dimensions
- Clear aperture
- Component seating and retention
- Surface cleanliness and condition
- Relevant optical behavior where applicable
APPLICATIONS
Where Integrated Optical Assemblies Can Be Useful
Custom assemblies are most useful when several optical functions, precise orientation, or constrained packaging must be combined within one imaging or sensing system.
Machine Vision
Compact optical assemblies integrated with industrial cameras, lenses, or inspection systems.
Electronics Inspection
Specialized optical stacks for imaging fine structures, reflective surfaces, or high-density electronic assemblies.
Scientific Imaging
Application-specific optical packages for laboratory instruments, sensing systems, and research imaging.
Specialized Imaging
Optical subsystems developed around unusual geometry, polarization, filtering, or integration requirements.
STARTING AN ASSEMBLY PROJECT
The More We Know About the System, the Better
Assembly development is most effective when the optical requirement and mechanical envelope are considered together from the beginning.
Existing drawings, sample components, optical requirements, photographs, CAD geometry, and system constraints can all help define the starting point.
USEFUL PROJECT INFORMATION
- Desired optical function
- Existing optical design or component list
- Mechanical envelope and mounting interface
- Operating wavelength or spectral range
- Required aperture and optical-path dimensions
- Orientation or alignment requirements
- Environmental or handling constraints
- Prototype and anticipated quantity requirements
CUSTOM OPTICAL ASSEMBLIES
Need Several Optical Functions Integrated Into One Package?
Share the optical requirements, component geometry, mechanical envelope, and system constraints. We can help evaluate an appropriate assembly approach.