TOF Lens Solutions
TOF Lens for High-Accuracy 3D Depth Sensing Systems
Industrial TOF lenses designed for robotics, 3D vision, AMR navigation and depth sensing cameras.
Optimized for 850nm and 940nm infrared wavelengths.
What Is a TOF Lens?
A TOF (Time of Flight) lens is specially designed for 3D depth sensing cameras. It focuses infrared light emitted by the TOF sensor to calculate distance information with high accuracy.
TOF Lens Structure
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Optical Elements | Focus IR signals onto the TOF sensor for accurate depth measurement. |
| IR Coating | Improve transmission efficiency at 850nm and 940nm wavelengths. |
| Low Distortion Design | Minimize optical distortion to improve depth accuracy and point cloud quality. |
| CRA Optimization | Optimize chief ray angle to match sensor pixels and improve performance. |
How TOF Imaging Works
Start
Step 1: Infrared Light Emission
Step 2: Reflection From Object
Step 3: Signal Capture
Step 4: Depth Calculation
End
The accuracy of TOF measurement depends heavily on lens distortion, infrared transmission efficiency, and optical consistency.
Learn More About TOF Technology
Key Requirements for TOF Lenses
850nm vs 940nm TOF Lenses
Different wavelengths have different characteristics. Choose the right wavelength for your application.
| Feature | 850nm | 940nm |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Safety | Lower (more visible to eyes) | Higher (safer for eyes) |
| Ambient Light Interference | Higher | Lower |
| Range Performance | Short to Medium Range | Medium to Long Range |
| Power Consumption | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly Higher |
| Typical Use | Indoor, short-range | Indoor & outdoor, long-range |
💡
Summary
850nm is ideal for indoor, cost-sensitive, short-range applications.
940nm is better for eye-safe, outdoor, and long-range applications.
Which wavelength should you choose?
| Application | Recommended Wavelength |
|---|---|
| Robot Navigation | 940nm |
| Indoor 3D Scanner | 850nm |
| Face Recognition | 940nm |
| Industrial Inspection | 850nm |
| Outdoor System | 940nm |
Select TOF Lenses for 3D Depth Sensing
Selecting a TOF lens requires matching:
- Sensor
- Wavelength
- FOV
- Distortion
- IR performance
Why it's important?
Ensures optimal performance and accuracy for your TOF camera.
Helps avoid common selection mistakes (e.g., wrong FOV, poor IR performance).
Reduces development time and improves system reliability.
1
Select TOF Sensor
Choose the TOF sensor based on your application and system requirements.
2
Confirm Wavelength (850nm / 940nm)
Decide between 850nm or 940nm based on environment and application.
3
Define FOV Requirement
Determine the field of view (FOV) needed for your application.
4
Match Sensor Size
Ensure the lens image circle covers the sensor size properly.
5
Check Distortion
Low distortion ensures accurate depth measurement.
6
Verify IR Performance
Ensure high IR transmission and good performance at target wavelength.
7
Select Lens Model
Choose the best TOF lens model that meets all requirements.
Recommended TOF Lens Models
| Model | FOV (D) | Sensor | Mount | Wavelength | Key Features | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S01714012013IRB9 | 147° | 1/4" | M12 | 850/940nm | Ultra wide FOV, compact size, high IR transmission | Robot Navigation |
| S04112009316IR | 120° | 1/2" | M12 | 850/940nm | Balanced performance, low distortion, high uniformity | Industrial 3D Vision |
| S08012004812IR | 60° | 1/2" | M12 | 850/940nm | High resolution, low distortion, precision depth | Precision Measurement |
Optical Performance Verification
Measured optical performance data helps engineers evaluate TOF lens compatibility with different sensors
and 3D depth sensing systems.
1
Distortion Curve
Low distortion design ensures accurate depth measurement and minimal geometric error across the entire FOV.
Typical Distortion (Max):
S01714012013IRB9 < ±2.0% S04112009316IR < ±1.0% S08012004812IR < ±0.5%
S01714012013IRB9 < ±2.0% S04112009316IR < ±1.0% S08012004812IR < ±0.5%
2
Relative Illumination Curve
High and uniform illumination improves point cloud consistency and depth measurement reliability.
Average Relative Illumination:
S01714012013IRB9 > 70% S04112009316IR > 80% S08012004812IR > 85%
S01714012013IRB9 > 70% S04112009316IR > 80% S08012004812IR > 85%
3
CRA Distribution
Optimized CRA design matches sensor microlens acceptance angle for high quantum efficiency.
CRA (Max):
S01714012013IRB9 < 25° S04112009316IR < 18° S08012004812IR > 12°
S01714012013IRB9 < 25° S04112009316IR < 18° S08012004812IR > 12°
4
MTF Chart (10 lp/mm)
High MTF lens performance ensures clear depth details and precise accurate 3D reconstruction.
MTF @10lp/mm (Center):
S01714012013IRB9 > 0.45 S04112009316IR > 0.60 S08012004812IR > 0.70
S01714012013IRB9 > 0.45 S04112009316IR > 0.60 S08012004812IR > 0.70
TOF Lens Applications Across Industries
TOF lenses enable accurate depth sensing and 3D perception across a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
Why Choose Towin TOF Lenses
Specialized Infrared Lens Design
Optimized for 850nm and 940nm TOF systems.
Low Distortion Architecture
Supports accurate depth reconstruction.
Custom Mechanical Design
Available in M12 and customized mounts.
OEM & ODM Capability
Full customization support from concept to mass production.
Strict Quality Control
Every lens undergoes optical performance verification.
Fast Engineering Response
Rapid communication and prototype delivery.
Recommended TOF Lens Specifications
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 2.1-8mm |
| Distortion | <2% |
| Wavelength | 850nm / 940nm |
| Resolution | 2MP-8MP |
| Mount | M12 |
| Sensor Format | 1/4" - 1/1.8" |
Knowledge Center
Related Technical Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is a TOF lens?
A TOF lens is designed for depth sensing systems that calculate distance by measuring the travel time of infrared light.
2Why are 940nm TOF lenses popular?
940nm lenses provide better ambient light rejection and improved eye safety.
3Can TOF lenses be customized?
Yes. Focal length, distortion, IR coating, and mount type can all be customized.
4How Does a TOF Lens Work?
A TOF lens captures reflected infrared light emitted by a TOF camera system and focuses it onto the image sensor. The camera then calculates depth information based on the time required for the light to travel to the object and return.
5What Is the Difference Between 850nm and 940nm TOF Lenses?
850nm systems generally provide stronger infrared illumination and longer sensing distances, while 940nm systems offer better resistance to ambient light interference and greater eye safety. The choice depends on the application environment and performance requirements.
6Why Is Low Distortion Important for TOF Lenses?
Low distortion helps ensure accurate depth calculations across the entire image. Excessive distortion can introduce measurement errors and reduce the reliability of 3D reconstruction and object detection.
7What Is the Typical Sensing Range of a TOF Camera?
The sensing range depends on the TOF sensor, infrared power, environmental conditions, and lens design. Most industrial TOF systems operate effectively from a few centimeters up to several meters, while specialized systems may achieve longer distances.
8What sensor sizes are compatible with TOF lenses?
TOF lenses are available for different sensor formats including
1/4", 1/3", 1/2", and customized sensor sizes.
The correct choice depends on FOV, pixel size and application requirements.
Need Help Selecting the Right TOF Lens?
Tell us:
Sensor Model
Wavelength (850nm / 940nm)
FOV Requirement
Working Distance
Target Accuracy
Our optical engineers will recommend the most suitable TOF lens for your project.
ONLINE CONTACT
Let’s Build the Right Optical Solution Together
Have a question, need a quote, or want to discuss your project? Our optical experts are ready to help.
Expert Support
Get professional advice from our optical engineers.
Tailored Solutions
We provide customized lens solutions that fit your application.
Reliable Quality
High-quality manufacturing with strict testing and quality control.
Fast Response
We value your time and will get back to you as soon as possible.
✉️
Send Us a Message
