Abstract
In this paper we report an adaptive liquid lens actuated by droplet movement. Four rectangular PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate) substrates are stacked to form the device structure. Two ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) sheets stick on the bottom substrate. One PMMA sheet with a light hole is inserted in the middle of the device. A conductive droplet is placed on the substrate and touches the PMMA sheet to form a small closed reservoir. The reservoir is filled with another immiscible non-conductive liquid. The non-conductive liquid can form a smooth concave interface with the light hole. When the device is applied with voltage, the droplet stretches towards the reservoir. The volume of the reservoir reduces, changing the curvature of the interface. The device can thus achieve the function of an adaptive lens. Our experiments show that the focal length can be varied from −10 to −159 mm as the applied voltage changes from 0 to 65 V. The response time of the liquid lens is ~75 ms. The proposed device has potential applications in many fields such as information displays, imaging systems, and laser scanning systems.
Highlights
Adaptive microlens has received considerable attention for the wide range of applications such as information displays, cameras, laser scanning systems, and wavefront distortion compensation.According to the difference of the filled materials, it can be roughly classified into two categories: liquid crystal (LC) lens [1–5] and liquid lens [6–24]
Since the response time depends on the LC layer thickness and the size of the LC lens, it is more suitable for making microlens which constrains the real applications in imaging systems
In this paper we demonstrate an adaptive liquid lens actuated by droplet movement
Summary
Adaptive microlens has received considerable attention for the wide range of applications such as information displays, cameras, laser scanning systems, and wavefront distortion compensation. A dielectric lens uses two non-conductive liquids of different dielectric constants to form a smooth liquid-liquid interface. It can bear high operating voltage and has lower power consumption. A fluidic pressure based liquid lens usually makes use of a PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) membrane to control the volume of the liquids. Compared with the liquid lens discussed above, electrowetting-based liquid lens has the advantages of polarization independent, fast response, and simple fabrication. Compared with other adaptive liquid lenses, our lens has the competitive advantages in simple structure, reasonably fast response time and low power consumption. It is possible to significantly actuate a large-aperture lens or microlens array at a relatively low operating voltage. The response time of the liquid lens is ~75 ms
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
