The aspheric lens uses a single element design, which helps reduce the number of lenses in the optical assembly. Unlike spherical lenses, aspheric lenses have a more complex surface, and the curvature of the surface gradually changes from the center of the lens to the edge of the lens. The most significant advantage is that it can correct the spherical aberration caused by the Spherical Lens in the collimation and focusing system. One of the applications of aspheric lenses includes focusing the output from a laser diode, which not only reduces the overall cost, but also outperforms components designed using traditional spherical optical lenses.
The asphere's more complex surface profile can reduce or eliminate spherical aberration and also reduce other optical aberrations such as astigmatism, compared to a simple lens. A single aspheric lens can often replace a much more complex multi-lens system. The resulting device is smaller and lighter, and sometimes cheaper than the multi-lens design.Aspheric elements are used in the design of multi-element wide-angle and fast normal lenses to reduce aberrations. Small molded aspheres are often used for collimating diode lasers. Laser Aspheric Lens,Aspheric Lens,Aspheric Lenses,Collimation Optics Changchun Realpoo Photoelectric Co., Ltd. , https://www.optics-realpoo.com
There is still a gap in the technology of domestic power battery industry
In 2017, the power battery industry experienced a remarkable year, driven by policy adjustments and price competition. Despite the booming growth, underlying challenges in market development remained evident. The interplay of fiscal subsidies, supply-demand imbalances, and rising raw material costs intensified the differentiation across the battery value chain, leading to a major reshuffling of the industry and a transformation of its structure.
This year's lithium battery market witnessed several notable shifts. First, with increased investment and mergers, competition among top players became fiercer. Second, the adoption of ternary lithium batteries expanded significantly. Third, global giants like Panasonic and LG Chem entered the Chinese market, aiming to capture future opportunities.
Although the synergy within the industrial chain—covering key materials and equipment manufacturing—showed promising results, the overall R&D capabilities and international competitiveness still lagged behind. An expert from the electric vehicle field pointed out that the new energy vehicle policy system and power battery development were not well aligned, and the industry ecosystem lacked stability. Recent material price hikes have further exacerbated these issues.
The adjustment of subsidy policies and improvements in technical standards imposed stricter requirements on energy density and cost efficiency. As a result, leading companies like CATL and BYD gained a stronger competitive edge, pushing the industry towards consolidation. Battery manufacturers and car companies are now more closely connected than ever before.
While lithium iron phosphate batteries once dominated, their limited energy density has made them less competitive. Ternary lithium batteries, on the other hand, have become the mainstream technology for new energy passenger vehicles. Industry forecasts suggest that China’s total power battery demand will reach 43.9 GWh next year, a 41.4% increase from the previous year. Among this, ternary battery demand is expected to rise by 83%, reaching 24.6 GWh, while lithium iron phosphate battery demand will grow by 9.7%, totaling 19.3 GWh.
However, the biggest challenge for battery companies remains the high cost of raw materials and production. Although subsidies declined in early 2017, reducing overcapacity, power batteries entered a price-cutting phase. Despite a 20% drop in average battery prices in the first half of the year, upstream material prices such as lithium carbonate and cobalt continued to soar.
Experts remain optimistic, believing that technological advancements in domestic power batteries will lead to faster cost reductions. Within two years, power battery costs could fall to $1 per watt-hour, with specific energy exceeding 200 Wh/kg, making electric vehicles more cost-competitive than traditional fuel vehicles.
Midstream price fluctuations also impact the entire industry. To strengthen their position, leading companies are expanding into upstream and downstream sectors, with more collaboration cases emerging. A breakthrough in one component, such as the negative electrode or electrolyte, won’t guarantee overall success. As Jinsha Jiang Founding Partnership’s Pan Xiaofeng noted, achieving a breakthrough in power battery technology requires careful coordination and safety considerations.
With the rapid growth of the new energy vehicle market, the survival of the fittest has become more intense. Drafts of 2018 subsidy policies indicate that subsidies will decline faster, with higher thresholds for eligibility. For example, passenger vehicles must achieve an energy density above 140 Wh/kg to qualify for the highest subsidy.
This means that battery companies with lower energy densities will be phased out, while those meeting the 140 Wh/kg threshold will gain favor from automakers. The race for high-energy-density batteries is intensifying, setting the stage for a global competition.
Globally, three major clusters dominate power battery R&D and production: East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea), Europe, and North America. While China leads in market share, Japanese and Korean companies have historically held an advantage in consumer electronics batteries. However, they are now investing heavily in China to secure long-term market positions.
Tesla’s partnership with Panasonic and LG Chem highlights the growing importance of battery innovation. With energy densities reaching 300 Wh/kg and costs dropping to around $100/kWh, the industry is moving closer to its 2020 targets. Meanwhile, European automakers are also seeking reliable battery suppliers, prompting discussions about forming a battery business alliance.
As the global power battery market becomes more competitive, the coming years will see fierce battles between domestic and international players, shaping the future of electric mobility.