Industrial imaging applications demand optics that deliver consistent performance under demanding conditions. From automated inspection to robotics guidance systems, the quality of the lens often determines how reliably a vision system performs. One example of an industrial lens engineered specifically for these environments is the Schneider‑Kreuznach CITRINE F1.4/12 mm C‑Mount Lens, part of the Citrine series of high-performance machine vision optics from Schneider‑Kreuznach.
Designed for compactness, high optical performance, and mechanical durability, this lens is well suited for modern machine vision systems that rely on high-resolution sensors and consistent optical quality. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the design, specifications, and applications of the 12 mm Citrine lens.
Overview
The Citrine series represents a family of industrial C-mount lenses designed to support high-resolution imaging in demanding environments. These lenses are engineered to maintain optical stability and reliable performance across a wide range of industrial vision applications.
Key design goals of the Citrine series include:
* High resolution suitable for modern machine vision sensors
* Compact mechanical construction
* Robust mechanical stability for industrial environments
* Broadband optical performance in visible and near-infrared wavelengths
Citrine lenses are available in multiple focal lengths and configurations, including standard, ruggedized, stabilized, and motorized versions, enabling system integrators to tailor the optics to their application requirements.
Schneider-Kreuznach Citrine 12mm F1.4 Lens
Core Optical Characteristics
The 12 mm model in the Citrine lineup is designed for machine vision systems using sensors up to 2/3-inch format. It provides a balanced field of view and high light-gathering capability, making it suitable for applications where both resolution and sensitivity are important.
Key Specifications
Focal Length: 12 mm
Maximum Aperture: F/1.4
Aperture Range: F/1.4 – F/11
Mount: C-Mount
Maximum Sensor Size: 11 mm image circle (up to 2/3″ sensors)
Maximum Angle of View: 48°
Minimum Working Distance: 6 mm
Recommended Working Distance: 106 mm to infinity
Filter Thread: M30.5 × 0.5
Weight: approximately 99 g
These specifications make the lens suitable for a wide range of inspection and automation tasks while maintaining a compact form factor.
Optical Performance and Spectral Range
One of the defining features of the Citrine lens family is its broadband anti-reflection coating.
The 12 mm Citrine lens supports imaging across:
Visible spectrum: 400–700 nm
Near-infrared spectrum:700–1000 nm
This wide spectral response enables the lens to work effectively with both visible-light imaging systems and NIR illumination setups commonly used in machine vision inspection systems.
Applications that benefit from this extended spectral capability include:
* NIR-assisted inspection
* low-light industrial imaging
* multispectral analysis
* automated quality control
Mechanical Design and Industrial Durability
Industrial environments require lenses that maintain performance despite vibration, temperature variation, and continuous operation.
The Citrine 12 mm lens is built with a compact and robust mechanical structure, designed to provide reliable operation in demanding industrial environments.
Depending on the configuration, additional mechanical enhancements may include:
Ruggedized Versions
Ruggedized variants incorporate improved mechanical stability to withstand vibration and harsh industrial conditions.
Stabilized Versions
Stabilized models use precise fixation of internal lens elements to maintain optical axis stability for measurement applications that require extremely consistent imaging geometry.
Motorized Iris Versions
Motorized iris models incorporate a stepper-motor-driven iris system for automated aperture control. These can be used in systems where lighting conditions vary or where exposure must be dynamically controlled.
Image Quality and High-Resolution Imaging
Machine vision lenses must maintain sharpness and minimal distortion across the entire image field to support accurate measurement and inspection.
The Citrine 12 mm lens is designed to deliver:
* High resolution across the image plane
* low distortion characteristics
* stable optical alignment for measurement tasks
These characteristics make the lens suitable for cameras used in precision inspection and measurement systems.
Typical Applications
Because of its wide aperture, moderate field of view, and robust design, the 12 mm Citrine lens is used across multiple industrial imaging applications.
Common use cases include:
2D and 3D Metrology
Precision optical measurements require consistent imaging geometry and high optical quality.
Robotics Vision
Robotic systems rely on accurate visual data for navigation, picking, and manipulation tasks.
Industrial Automation
Automated inspection systems use machine vision cameras and lenses to detect defects, verify assembly, and maintain product quality.
Traffic and Surveillance Imaging
Industrial-grade lenses can also be used in intelligent traffic systems and specialized surveillance applications.
Compact Form Factor for Integrated Systems
Modern machine vision systems are becoming increasingly compact, particularly in robotics and embedded inspection systems.
At roughly 99 grams, the Citrine 12 mm lens maintains a small physical footprint while still providing a fast F/1.4 aperture and high optical performance.
This combination of compact size and optical capability allows integrators to deploy the lens in space-constrained environments such as:
* robotic end-effectors
* inline inspection systems
* embedded industrial cameras
Compatibility with Machine Vision Cameras
The lens uses the industry-standard C-mount interface, making it compatible with a wide range of industrial cameras from many manufacturers.
This includes cameras used in:
* factory automation
* semiconductor inspection
* robotics
* logistics and warehouse automation
Because it supports sensors up to 2/3-inch format, the lens pairs well with many common high-resolution machine vision cameras.
Conclusion
The Schneider‑Kreuznach CITRINE F1.4/12 mm C‑Mount Lens exemplifies the type of optical engineering required for modern industrial imaging systems. Combining a fast F/1.4 aperture, compact mechanical design, and broadband optical coatings, the lens provides reliable performance across both visible and near-infrared imaging environments.
With options for ruggedized, stabilized, and motorized configurations, the Citrine series offers flexibility for system integrators working in robotics, automation, and precision inspection. For applications requiring dependable optical performance in a compact industrial package, the Citrine 12 mm lens is a strong solution within the machine vision optics landscape.
