In optics, many critical properties vary with viewing angle. Conoscope lenses (also called Fourier or Hypercentric optics) map angular object coordiantes onto cartesian image coordinates. This enables direct measurement of directional luminance, contrast, and color in a single capture, without mechanically scanning angles. In addition to angular imaging, the conoscope lenses are also used for reflection measurements, providing fast access to directional reflection behavior without mechanical angle scanning.

Operating Principle of Conoscope Lenses

A conoscope lens is designed such that each point in the image plane corresponds to a unique direction of light from the object plane. Instead of imaging spatial structure, it effectively images the angular distribution. This design allows capturing the full range of viewing directions in one shot.

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Lens

LMK 6-5

LMK 6-12

LMK 6-30

Conoscope compact1

120° circular

120° circular

120° circular

Conoscope High MTF2

120° circular

120° circular

Available lenses
LMK 6-5 Conoscope compact1
LMK 6-12 Conoscope compact1, Conoscope High MTF2
LMK 6-30 Conoscope compact1, Conoscope High MTF2

1 length: 180 mm; diameter: 36 mm; weight: 400 g
2 MTF50 (on axis) = 12 cycles/degree

Consistent Angular Measurements with LMK Integration

The conoscopic lenses integrate seamlessly with LMK imaging photometers and the LabSoft environment. Calibration data (e.g. correction values) are stored and applied automatically, ensuring consistent results across measurement sessions. The LMK Contrast Measurement Add-On is always included with the lenses. This simplifies the measurement of luminance, color, and contrast across the full viewing-angle range and allows image coordinates to be addressed directly and intuitively in angular space.

Interested in conoscope optics for angular measurement? Contact TechnoTeam for custom design, calibration packages, or system integration guidance.

Type:
Optical component
Applications:
Automotive Aviation Display Human Centric Lighting
Measurands:
Light measurement
Tasks:
Development & Industry Science & Research