Powell Prism

Powell lens

A Powell lens is a specialized optical lens used to transform a laser beam into a uniform, fan-shaped line. It is widely employed in laser-based applications where a consistent line projection is essential, such as 3D scanning, machine vision, alignment, and structured light applications.

The Powell lens is a quantum leap forward in line generator performance over the simple cylinder lens. A cylinder lens produces a poorly illuminated line, one limited by the non-uniform, Gaussian laser beam. The Powell lens' rounded roof is in fact a complex two-dimensional aspheric curve that generates a tremendous amount of spherical aberration that redistributes the light along the line; decreasing the light in the central area while increasing the light level at the line's ends. The result is a very uniformly illuminated line used in all manner of machine vision applications.

Features of a Powell Lens

Uniform Intensity Distribution: Unlike cylindrical lenses that may create a line with uneven intensity (brighter at the center and fading at the edges), Powell lenses ensure a uniform light distribution across the line.

Fan Angle Customization: They are available in various fan angles, typically ranging from 1° to 90°, allowing flexibility depending on the application requirements.

Compact and Precise: These lenses are small, precise, and typically made of optical-grade glass or plastic, ensuring high performance and durability.

Diffraction Efficiency: Designed to minimize diffraction effects, they maintain sharp, well-defined edges in the laser line.

How It Works

A Powell lens has a unique aspheric design that refracts the incoming laser beam into a diverging line, redistributing the intensity for uniform illumination.

Applications

3D Scanning: Used to project structured light patterns for creating 3D models.

Machine Vision: Enables precise inspection and alignment in manufacturing processes.

Laser Alignment: Helps in marking and aligning objects with high accuracy.

Biomedical Imaging: Used in optical systems requiring uniform illumination.

Specification