Adjustable-focus lenses based on the Alvarez principle

Abstract

We present a comprehensive approach for the design of adjustable-focus lenses based on theAlvarez principle. The design methodology consists of dividing the lens into two parts: theinner, optical part, where the optical quality is optimized, and the outer, mechanicalpart, connecting the optical part to the frame. For the optical part, we present acomplete optical design methodology to minimize common optical aberrations,considered in ophthalmic lens design, for different focus adjustments. For themechanical part, we show how to extend the lens surfaces to connect the opticalzone with the frame, such that the entire surface is smooth and has acceptablethickness.