Stemmer Imaging has added a range of compact lenses from Schneider Kreuznach to its product portfolio. The lenses give a uniform distribution of light across larger format multi-Megapixel sensors as well as high imaging performance. The special optical design of the lenses allows an even response across the entire high resolution sensor by removing the shading effects caused by the micro lenses that form an integral part of the pixel structure. The lenses are designed for use with up to 8 Megapixel sensors and with image formats less than 1.3 inches.
Although Megapixel image sensors use micro lenses to gather more of the available light and focus it onto the active pixel area, when the incident light arrives at a very shallow angle, the micro lens will refract it so that it doesn’t reach this area. This is most noticeable with asymmetric pixel areas, where more light is collected along one axis, producing an unwanted shading effect. The high-resolution, robust C-Mount lenses remove this effect and are optimised for use with 8 Megapixel 1.3-inch sensors which have a large image circle of 24mm.
With a 1.3-inch sensor, the relatively short focal length allows a large coverage range at a short working distance. The lenses are available in four focal lengths ranging from 20mm to 50mm. The lenses are broadband coated and can be used in the visible range (400-700nm) or the near infrared range (700-1,000nm). The rugged, vibration resistant construction includes an industrial-strength mount, precision-focus fine thread, click-stop-free iris and an iris lock with knurled screw.
The lenses have a wide range of applications, including machine vision, transport and traffic control, tube and inline inspection, defect detection and classification, 2D/3D measurement, robot vision, security and automotive crash tests.