Tabletop Test Bench evaluates lens image quality.

Press Release Summary:



Model OS210B can be used to evaluate performance of commercial lenses, as well as validate performance of custom lens prototypes. It measures Modulation Transfer Function, 3-Bar contrast, and enslitted energy, as well as EFL, BFL, FOV, F-number
lens parameters. Unit also measures depth-of-field, field flatness, distortion, chief ray angle, vignetting, and centration. Device can test lenses with focal lengths of 0.5-500 mm, and comes with PixelScope Optic Studio software.



Original Press Release:



Wells R&D Introduces the OS210B Tabletop Lens Test Bench



Date: May 21, 2008

Meeting the needs for determining image quality in an increasing number of applications.

Lincoln, MA... Today, Wells Research and Development introduces the next generation in tabletop lens test bench systems - the OS210B. This completely modular system can be used to effectively evaluate performance of commercial lenses for use in larger systems, validate performance of custom lens prototypes, track performance of batches of lenses as they come in, diagnose imaging problems, and more.

"There are more and more applications where imaging systems are being integrated as key elements - from cell phones to vision systems in automobiles," said Ben Wells, president of Wells Research and Development. " With the OS210B we have created a tabletop testing system that is easy to use, flexible, accurate, and affordable. Among the many improvements, we have eliminated the need for a microscope lens, removing a source of potential error and allowing for the testing of very fast lenses."

In the OS210B, the lens being tested forms an image of the pattern on a test reticle. The image is viewed by a telescope and captured by an attached FireWire video camera for analysis. The system also includes PixelScope Optic Studio image analysis software. The OS210B can test lenses with focal lengths from 0.5 mm to 500 mm. The base system is configured for testing at infinity and an option is available for testing at finite conjugates. The base OS210B is a manual system but motorized stages are available as an option for 1,2, or 3 axes. The OS210B is ideal for making the following measurements:

o Visual evaluation of image quality
o MTF (Modulation Transfer Function), 3-Bar contrast, enslitted energy
o Lens parameters - EFL, BFL, FOV, F-number
o Evaluation of depth-of-field, field flatness, distortion, chief ray angle, vignetting, centration
o On- and off-axis aberrations, astigmatism, veiling glare
o Visualization of wavefront aberrations at lens pupil and construction of "ray fan" plots

"Unfortunately, perhaps because of bad experiences with older systems, MTF measurements are sometimes viewed with misgivings," Wells noted. "The OS210B changes that - by delivering repeatable, traceable measurements." Calculated MTF is only as good as the image captured by the camera. The OS210B optics are diffraction limited so the image reflects only the flaws of the lens under test. An inspection certificate is included.

The possibilities of operator error are also minimized with the PixelScope software by entering system parameters into the software's graphical screens. Finally, the OS210B includes a certified "golden lens" for setup and verification so the MTF value can be traced to a known standard.

About Wells Research and Development

Launched by Ben Wells in 1996, Wells Research and Development began as a consulting company solving optical design, test and fabrication challenges for clients. In 2002 the first optical test products were introduced to provide systems that were intuitive and easy to use, accurate and dependable, affordable and flexible. For more information on the OS210B or any Wells R&D products visit: www.wellsresearch.com. For immediate answers to pressing questions, e-ail us at info@wellsresearch.com or call (781) 259-8667

All Topics