Axicons

[MichaelG.]

Just stumbled across this KODAK patent from 1956, which may be of interest:

Optical aligners employing axicons

https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/ ... US2759393A

MichaelG.

[GerryR]

For others who may be in the same boat as me, not knowing what an axicon is, try this:
https://www.edmundoptics.com/knowledge- ... t-axicons/

Never to old to learn something new!!

[MichaelG.]

Thanks for the additional link, Gerry

I had assumed that the patent would provide sufficient explanation of what they were
… but it’s good to know that they are alive and well, and living at Edmund Optics

MichaelG.

[Scarodactyl]

Seems like they might be interesting for darfield. I suppose the conical reflector on cheap gemological darkfield condensers is analogous.

[Sure Squintsalot]

My brain shuts down when I see the words "coherent light applications include...".

[BramHuntingNematodes]

Yeah they're neat!

[MichaelG.]

Thanks for the picture, Bram

… it’s worth the proverbial ‘thousand words’

MichaelG.

[Scarodactyl]

Looks like fun. It is also one of the only lens shapes I might be able to DIY with my own equipment...