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Optics Express

Optics Express

  • Editor: Andrew M. Weiner
  • Vol. 21, Iss. 1 — Jan. 14, 2013
  • pp: 1226–1233

Optics InfoBase > Optics Express > Volume 21 > Issue 1 > Page 1226

Microelectromechanically-driven miniature adaptive Alvarez lens

Guangya Zhou, Hongbin Yu, and Fook Siong Chau  »View Author Affiliations


Optics Express, Vol. 21, Issue 1, pp. 1226-1233 (2013)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1364/OE.21.001226


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Abstract

A miniature solid-state varifocal lens based on Alvarez principle with lens elements having free-form surfaces is reported. The Alvarez lens elements are implemented with diamond-turning and replication molding processes. They are integrated with electrostatically-driven MEMS comb-drive actuators fabricated using SOI micromachining. Dynamic tuning of focal length more than 1.5 times (from 3 mm to 4.65 mm) is experimentally demonstrated with only small MEMS-driven lateral movements of 40 μm. Such varifocal lens may be useful in miniature cameras for autofocus and zooming due to its advantages including ease of packaging and fast tuning speed.

© 2013 OSA

OCIS Codes
(220.3630) Optical design and fabrication : Lenses
(230.3990) Optical devices : Micro-optical devices
(230.4000) Optical devices : Microstructure fabrication
(230.4685) Optical devices : Optical microelectromechanical devices

ToC Category:
Optical Design and Fabrication

History
Original Manuscript: October 17, 2012
Revised Manuscript: November 24, 2012
Manuscript Accepted: November 25, 2012
Published: January 11, 2013

Citation
Guangya Zhou, Hongbin Yu, and Fook Siong Chau, "Microelectromechanically-driven miniature adaptive Alvarez lens," Opt. Express 21, 1226-1233 (2013)
http://www.opticsinfobase.org/oe/abstract.cfm?URI=oe-21-1-1226


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