This type of optical element features a convex curve on one side and a concave curve on the other. Depending on which curve is steeper, a meniscus lens can be positive to converge light or negative to diverge it. Lighting designers and optical engineers use them to minimize spherical aberration and tighten beam control in complex optical trains without adding excessive bulk.
Heard on the job
We need a positive meniscus lens in the condenser assembly to tighten up the beam edge.
Insider tip
Positive meniscus lenses are thicker in the middle, while negative meniscus lenses are thicker at the edges.
Also heard as
- meniscus lens