Abstract

We demonstrated a liquid lens whose focal length can be controlled by an actuator. The lens cell is composed of elastic membrane, planar glass plate, a periphery sealing ring, and a liquid with a fixed volume in the lens chamber. Part of the periphery sealing ring is excavated to form a hollow chamber which functions as a reservoir. This hollowed periphery is surrounded by an exterior rubber membrane. The shaft of an actuator is used to deform the elastic rubber. Squeezing the liquid contained in the reservoir into the lens chamber. Excess liquid in the lens chamber will push the lens membrane to outward, resulting in a lens shape change. Due to the compact structure and easy operation, this liquid lens has potential applications in zoom lenses, auto beam steering, and eyeglasses.

© 2006 Optical Society of America

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History
Original Manuscript: July 3, 2006
Manuscript Accepted: August 17, 2006
Revised Manuscript: August 7, 2006
Published: September 1, 2006

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Author Affiliations

Benjamin Wu

Duke University

Hongwen Ren, David Fox, P. Andrew Anderson, Shin-Tson Wu

University of Central Florida

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