Edmund Optics is providing edge-blackened optics, designed to increase contrast and reduce noise in imaging and electro-optical systems. The blackened edges prevents light from exiting a mounted optic and reflecting off the metal fixturing, which could then be re-imaged through the optical assembly.
Customers had previously blackened the edges of optics themselves, which proved to be a difficult and expensive process to maintain dimensional tolerances, clear aperture, and centration.
The blackening service is available off-the shelf for most of Edmund’s TechSpec VIS 0° Achromatic Lenses. It is also available to all transmissive components through the company’s Quik Mod program, which allows rapid turnaround of modified catalogue components in small quantities.