COTS Optics vs. Custom Optics

The cost of COTS single elements and achromatic doublets is around $60-$150 each (higher for COTS IR elements)
• COTS optics are usually anti-reflection coated and of reasonable quality
– However, optical and mechanical quality cannot be assured
– Tolerances of COTS optics are often relatively loose
– The AR coating may not be for the spectral range of interest
– It is important to test any COTS optic you use
• A problem is that you may not be able to get a specific COTS optic later or in the quantities you may need
• Custom lenses require significant time for design, tolerancing, mechanical design, fabrication, and assembly
– Custom glass lenses may be around $700 or more per element (more for IR elements), not including assembly time
– A six-element custom glass lens may cost upwards of $10,000 for the first unit (more for IR systems)
• The primary advantage of custom lenses is that you get a lens or lens system which meets all your requirements



Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Optics

There are basically two forms of COTS optics
• Single optical elements and cemented doublets
• Precision lenses, such as camera lenses and special purpose lenses, available from many sources
– These are typically multi-element assemblies mounted in a suitable housing
– Cost can be significantly lower than custom optics
• True for small quantities, but when production reaches 50-100 or more,
then the prices of custom optics comes closer to that of COTS optics
– Optical performance, mechanics, and basic specifications of a COTS optic may not be appropriate or good enough for your application


For technical support please contact with us.
www.optonom.com.tr