Tubular optofluidics as a versatile optical toolbox

Abstract

We present a new technology which enables the versatile realization of a wide spectrum of optofluidic elements, including focus- and aberration-tunable lenses, prisms with adjustable tip and tilt, and variable apertures, as well as the combination of these into multi-element optical systems. These systems, based completely on liquid elements and with no moving parts, are axially configured in a tubular housing and actuated using electrowetting through complex axially- and azithumally configured electrode patterns. We discuss the basis of the technology, which uses microfabricated flexible polymeric foils with the electrodes for actuation as well as dielectric layers and surfaces with varying wetting properties, and the assembly techniques. Optical performance of these elements shows that the tubular optofluidics approach is a significant step to realizing optofluidic systems with good imaging performance.