Lens is a very important component in optical instruments, and spherical and aspherical lenses are two common types of lenses. They have significant differences in shape, optical properties, and applications. So what are the differences between non spherical lenses and spherical lenses? Let's listen to what micrometer optics says together!


From a shape perspective

The surface of a spherical lens is spherical, while the surface of a non spherical lens presents a more complex shape. Specifically, aspherical lenses typically use rotationally symmetric parabolic, hyperbolic, or higher-order polynomial curves as their surface shapes to achieve better optical performance.

aspherical lenses

In terms of optical characteristics

There are also significant differences between spherical and aspherical lenses. The light rays of a spherical lens undergo refraction, focusing, or divergence when passing through the lens, but due to the limitations of its shape, spherical lenses often produce aberrations and distortions. By contrast, aspherical lenses can greatly eliminate aberrations and distortions and improve imaging quality through carefully designed surface shapes.


In terms of practical application

Due to its better optical performance, aspherical lenses have been widely used in high-precision optical instruments such as high-end cameras, microscopes, and telescopes. Non spherical lenses, due to their special shape and high processing difficulty, have higher manufacturing costs.


In summary, there are significant differences in shape, optical properties, and applications between aspherical and spherical lenses. Non spherical lenses have better optical performance and are therefore widely used in high-end optical instruments. With the continuous advancement of manufacturing technology, the manufacturing cost of aspherical lenses is expected to be further reduced, thereby promoting their application in more fields. The above is an interpretation of the difference between non spherical lenses and spherical lenses. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult online.