On-Axis lights are used to illuminate reflective objects.

The main problem with imaging reflective objects is that reflections of the light and camera can often be seen in the resulting image.  On Axis illumination uses beam splitting techniques to enable the illumination to be positioned between the camera and the object so that the camera is situated behind the light.

In simplest form, this comprises a 50% beamsplitter at a 45 degree angle (silver side downward) with a diffuse light to the side that reflects off of the beamsplitter and down onto the object.  The camera looks straight down through the beamsplitter from above – this is sometimes called a DOAL (Diffuse On-Axis Light). This technique is most suited to illumination of flat reflective objects.  Light is optimised over an area covering 50% of the linear dimensions and the unit generally needs to be positioned as close as possible to the object.

NEW Smart Series DOAL lighting includes a built-in controller with adjustable intensity continuous mode and high output strobe mode.