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Gradient-Index (GRIN) Lenses for Imaging![]()
GRIN Lens Microscope Objective Sample Plane
Our GRIN lenses can be used as a 1:1 imaging relay between the objective lens and the sample. Intermediate G1P10 GRIN Lens, Uncoated G2P11 GRIN Lens, AR-Coated for Ø1.0 mm 3.758 mm Ø0.5 mm 1.883 mm ![]() Please Wait ![]() Click to Enlarge 500 µm Field of View ![]() Click to Enlarge 200 µm Field of View Neuronal activity in an awake mouse. Both laser-scanned multiphoton images used the G2P10 GRIN lens implanted 3 mm deep and a 20X, 0.5 NA Nikon Objective Lens. Images courtesy of Dr. Mackenzie Mathis, Rowland Institute, Harvard University. Features
Thorlabs' gradient-index (GRIN) lenses are available for imaging applications in which the region of interest is inaccessible with a microscope objective. These GRIN lens can be implanted deeply into a target specimen with minimal invasiveness and load. We offer Ø1.0 mm uncoated lenses that are ideal for widefield and laser-scanned confocal imaging. These lenses have high transmission over a wide wavelength range. We also have available Ø0.5 mm or Ø1.0 mm broadband AR-coated lenses that are ideal for multiphoton imaging. The Ø1.0 mm lens is AR-coated for 500 - 1000 nm, while the Ø0.5 mm lens is AR-coated for 515 - 670 nm and 900 - 1100 nm. For more specifications on each lens, please see the Specs tab. Unlike a traditional lens, a GRIN lens affects the optical path by varying the index of refraction within the lens itself. In contrast to a spherical or aspheric lens, all optical path lengths (refractive index multiplied by distance) are the same in a GRIN lens due to the radially varying refractive index. For information on how to calculate the refractive index as a function of radius, please see the Specs tab.
![]() Click to Enlarge An example setup when imaging with an arbitrary GRIN lens. Note the light ray trajectory will change depending on the GRIN lens specifications. ![]() Click to Enlarge Transmission for G1P10 and G1P11 Uncoated GRIN Lenses ![]() Click to Enlarge Click Here for Raw Data AR Coating Reflectance for the G2P10 Lens. The blue shaded region denotes the specified wavelength range for optimum performance. ![]() Click to Enlarge Click Here for Raw Data AR Coating Reflectance for the G2P11 Lens. The blue shaded region denotes the specified wavelength range for optimum performance. Index as a Function of Radius Relating Pitch and Lens Length ![]() Click to Enlarge Refractive Index Profile of a GRIN Lens ![]() Click to Enlarge GRIN Lenses with Different Pitches. As the length of the lens increases, the pitch increases. HandlingA GRIN lens should be handled with stainless steel tweezers, preferably those with a tapered end like our TZ3 optic tweezers, and picked up by firmly grasping the side of the cylinder rather than the flat ends. CleaningUse methyl alcohol as a cleaning solvent when necessary. Acetone may also be used without harm to a GRIN lens, but should be pure enough to not leave a residue on the lens surface. StorageFor extended periods of time, a GRIN lens should be stored in a "dry box" environment. This entails the use of a desiccant or heat source to prevent humidity from leaching the lens material. For short-term storage (less than a month), the plastic box and foam packing in which the lens is shipped will provide adequate storage, provided the lens is placed securely in the built-in slot to avoid chipping or scratching from other lenses.
![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Transmission for G1P10 and G1P11 Uncoated GRIN Lenses
These uncoated GRIN lenses feature a 0.20 mm working distance on both the sample and the objective side. Each lens is 1.0 mm in diameter and ideal to be used in widefield and laser-scanned confocal imaging. The G1P10 lens is 3.758 mm long, while the G1P11 lens is 8.091 mm long. Each lens provides a large collection angle due to a numerical aperture of 0.50 in water. See the Specs tab for more details on optical properties. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Click Here for Raw Data AR Coating Reflectance for the G2P10 Lens. The blue shaded region denotes the specified wavelength range for optimum performance.
This GRIN lens features a 0.25 mm working distance on the sample side and a 0.19 mm working distance on the objective side. It has a broadband AR coating optimized for 500 - 1000 nm. Suitable for excitation wavelengths from 800 to 1000 nm, the AR coating extends down to 500 nm to reduce losses for the corresponding emission wavelengths. This range is useful for Ca2+ imaging. The lens supports widefield imaging techniques to locate the target region of interest (ROI), as well as confocal and multiphoton laser scanning of the sample. At 1.0 mm in diameter and 3.400 mm in length, the GRIN lens provides a large collection angle due to a numerical aperture of 0.50 in water. See the Specs tab for more details on optical properties. ![]() ![]() Click to Enlarge Click Here for Raw Data AR Coating Reflectance for the G2P11 Lens. The blue shaded region denotes the specified wavelength range for optimum performance.
This GRIN lens features a 0.20 mm working distance on both the sample and the objective side. It is designed to minimize losses for excitation wavelengths from 900 - 1100 nm and emission wavelengths from 515 - 670 nm, which is useful for eGFP and eYFP. At 0.5 mm in diameter and 1.883 mm in length, this GRIN lens provides a large collection angle due to a numerical aperture of 0.486 in water. See the Specs tab for more details on optical properties. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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