OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has developed the industry’s largest*1 glass-molded aspheric lens measuring 75 mm in diameter that can be used for interchangeable lenses for cameras and projectors whose size and resolution have been increasingly reduced and enhanced, respectively. The shipping of samples of this large-diameter aspheric lens will start from February 13, 2015. We will also commence with external sales of these lenses.
*1: In the category of glass-molded aspheric lenses. As of February 13, 2015, according Panasonic’s data
Interchangeable lenses for cameras and projectors are required to be
small with a high resolution, in addition to conforming to the trend of
having a large diameter and wide angle. There have been growing needs
for large-diameter aspheric lenses that help reduce the number of parts
involved.
We have developed the industry’s largest*1
glass-molded aspheric lens/mirror with a diameter of 75 mm by taking
full advantage of our engineering capabilities and production expertise
that have been refined through development and production of LUMIX
digital cameras and other products. We have also established mass
production technology for preventing cloudiness and cracks and for
maintaining shape precision in the process of molding large-diameter
lenses. This lens enables a reduction in the number of parts by about
25% compared with comparable conventional products.
These lenses have the following features.
-
Developing the industry’s largest*1
glass-molded aspheric lens/mirror measuring 75 mm in diameter
Capable of reducing the total length by 30% compared with interchangeable spherical lenses of the same performance -
Ensuring thermal resistance and minimizing thermal expansion
through the use of glass materials
Achieving thermal resistance (250°C or higher) and low thermal expansion (about 1/10 that of plastics) that cannot be attained using plastic materials -
Achieving high reliability and high refractive index of varying
degrees by using our proprietary mass production technologies and
production expertise
Achieving high processing precision and high refractive index of varying degrees by using in-house developed molds and molding/measurement equipment as well as proprietary expertise
The lens has been used in ET-D75LE90, an optional lens commercialized in November 2014 for our ultra-high-brightness projectors, to achieve short-throw wide-angle projection. We will start shipping samples of this large-diameter aspheric lens as a key device that meets the needs of our corporate customers.
The latest product enhances our lineup of aspheric lenses ranging from 1 mm (for endoscopes) to 75 mm in diameter. We will expand our business-use lens operations to various industries based on the latest large-diameter glass-molded aspheric lens in order to increase sales.
About Panasonic
Panasonic
Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and engineering of
electronic technologies and solutions for customers in residential,
non-residential, mobility and personal applications. Since its founding
in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates around 500
consolidated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of
7.74 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2014. Committed to
pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the
company strives to create a better life and a better world for its
customers. For more information about Panasonic, please visit the
company's website at http://panasonic.net/.
