WO2005040865A1 - Element optique pour ajustement modulable de la longueur focale dans un dispositif optique et dispositif optique correspondant - Google Patents

Element optique pour ajustement modulable de la longueur focale dans un dispositif optique et dispositif optique correspondant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005040865A1
WO2005040865A1 PCT/EP2004/011930 EP2004011930W WO2005040865A1 WO 2005040865 A1 WO2005040865 A1 WO 2005040865A1 EP 2004011930 W EP2004011930 W EP 2004011930W WO 2005040865 A1 WO2005040865 A1 WO 2005040865A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
medium
optical element
interface
element according
media
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Application number
PCT/EP2004/011930
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Dr. Andreas Obrebski
Original Assignee
Carl Zeiss Surgical Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carl Zeiss Surgical Gmbh filed Critical Carl Zeiss Surgical Gmbh
Publication of WO2005040865A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005040865A1/fr

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B26/00Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
    • G02B26/004Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements based on a displacement or a deformation of a fluid
    • G02B26/005Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements based on a displacement or a deformation of a fluid based on electrowetting
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B3/00Simple or compound lenses
    • G02B3/12Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses
    • G02B3/14Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length

Definitions

  • Optical element for variably adjusting the focal length in an optical device and optical device
  • the present invention initially relates to an optical element for variably adjusting the focal length in an optical device according to the preamble of claim 1 and according to the preamble of claim 8. Furthermore, the invention relates to an optical device.
  • FIG. 1 Such a known solution is shown in FIG. 1.
  • the known optical element 10 has a drop 13 of a conductive liquid which is applied to an insulation layer 12.
  • the insulation layer 12 in turn covers a flat electrode 11.
  • an electrical field 14 which is caused by a voltage applied between the conductor liquid 13 and the electrode 11, the wetting can be significantly increased.
  • the drop 13 of conductor liquid in the idle state (FIG. 1a) has a considerably more compact and smaller contour than in the case of the application of a voltage (FIG. 1b).
  • This well-known phenomenon is also known as electro-wetting.
  • the optical element 20 consists of a receptacle 22 which contains a first, electrically conductive liquid 28 and a drop of a second, insulating liquid 29.
  • the two liquids 28, 29 are immiscible and spatially fixed in the receptacle 22.
  • the two liquids 28, 29 touch one another at an interface 30.
  • the drop of the second liquid 29 is arranged concentrically around the optical axis 21 of the optical element 20, the optical axis 21 likewise through a transparent region 24 of the bottom 23 of the receiving container 22 runs.
  • the second liquid 29 bears at least in regions on electrodes 25 which are located within the receptacle 22.
  • the electrodes 25 are in turn provided with an insulating layer 26.
  • the known optical element 20 has means 31 for changing the interface 30 between the liquids 28, 29.
  • An electrical field 27 can be generated between the conductive liquid 28 and the electrodes 25 via these means 31. This changes the wettability of the liquid 28, so that the shape of the drop of the second, insulating liquid 29 also changes.
  • the broken lines each representing the interface 30 between the two liquids 28, 29 .
  • the focus of the optical element can be continuously adjusted by varying the size and / or shape of the interface 30 between the two liquids 28, 29.
  • Another known solution based on the principle of "electrical wetting" is described in WO 01/069380 A1.
  • optical elements are described in which an elastic film is arranged between two liquids. The two liquids are separated by this impenetrable film. The volumes of the liquids can be varied using pumps, which changes the curvature of the film.
  • optical elements are described in which only one liquid is used at a time, which is located in a receptacle, which is covered on two sides by transparent films is limited.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object of developing an optical element of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the disadvantages described in relation to the prior art can be avoided.
  • an optical element is to be provided with which a change in the focal length in an optical device can be implemented in a simple manner with at the same time low energy consumption.
  • a correspondingly improved optical device is to be provided.
  • This object is achieved according to the invention by the optical element with the features according to independent patent claims 1 and 8, the optical device with the features according to independent patent claim 24 and the advantageous uses according to independent patent claims 25 and 26.
  • an optical element for variably adjusting the focal length is provided in an optical device, with a receptacle that contains a first flexible medium and a second flexible medium, the media being immiscible, the media in the receptacle are spatially fixed, the second medium abutting at least in regions on at least one contact surface within the receptacle and the two media touching at least one interface, and with means for changing the size and / or shape of the interface (s) between the two media ,
  • the means for changing the interface (s) are designed to act on the first and / or second medium, and that the means for changing the interface (s) are designed to generate pressure on the first and / or second medium are formed and that a medium is displaced, in particular pressed, at least at one interface in at least one preferred direction in the direction of the respective other medium.
  • the present invention is based on the teaching according to DE 698 04 119 T2, the disclosure content of which is included in the description of the present invention.
  • the means for changing the interface between the two media act on the electrically conductive medium
  • An electrical voltage changes the wettability of this electrically conductive medium, so that the contour of the electrically insulating medium can also change indirectly as a result.
  • the means for changing the interface act on the first and / or second medium in such a way that the corresponding medium is displaced by these means at the interface between the two media in at least one preferred direction in the direction of the first medium , in particular is or can be pressed.
  • this preferred direction can be, for example, the optical axis of an optical element designed as a lens element.
  • the means for changing the interface between the two media are now designed in such a way that they exert pressure on the first and / or second medium, the interface between the two media changing due to the application of the pressure.
  • Such means can be designed in a structurally simple and energy-saving manner, such means often only requiring very small control voltages.
  • the optical element according to the invention is used to variably adjust the focal length in an optical device, the focal length can be changed without the individual components of the optical device having to be moved.
  • the invention is not restricted to certain types of optical elements.
  • the optical elements are variable lens elements or other, for example electrically controllable, optical elements.
  • the optical element according to the invention is designed as a lens element, for example as a spherical lens element, cylindrical lens element and the like, or as a prism element, for example as a prism element with variable spectral splitting power, or as a mirror element, for example as a switchable mirror, or the like.
  • the optical element is particularly preferably used as a lens element with a variable focal length. Even if the invention is primarily described below on the basis of such an embodiment, it goes without saying that the invention is not restricted to this specific example.
  • the optical element initially has a receiving container which contains two different media. At least regions of individual outer walls of the container can preferably be formed from a transparent material.
  • the individual media being immiscible.
  • the invention is not limited to certain media types. It is only important that the media are flexible in form.
  • Flexible in shape in the light of the present description means that the media have no rigid surface, but that the media within the receptacle can change in shape.
  • the first medium can be water and the second medium is an oil.
  • the media are preferably at least partially transparent and can, for example, have the same or at least a similar density in order to exclude gravitational effects.
  • the two media are spatially fixed in the receptacle, the second medium bearing at least in regions on at least one contact surface within the receptacle.
  • the first medium also bears, at least in regions, on at least one contact surface within the receptacle.
  • the contact surface can be located at different locations within the receptacle, so that the invention is not restricted to certain arrangement or design variants. Some non-exclusive examples are described below.
  • the contact surface can be, for example, at least a partial area of an outer container wall, for example the container base and / or a cover element and / or at least one side wall. In the case of the latter variant, in particular an embodiment can be implemented in which the medium does not touch the bottom of the container, but only rests on the side walls.
  • configuration variants are also conceivable in which the abovementioned contact surface is at least a partial area of an intermediate layer located in the interior of the receptacle.
  • the medium abuts the contact surface of the receptacle, it is preferably formed from a transparent material, so that light entering the receptacle from the outside can radiate through the container walls and the transparent media located in the receptacle.
  • the contact surfaces are formed by at least partial areas of the side walls, this is not absolutely necessary, possibly even harmful (scattered light), so that the contact surfaces can also be formed from a non-transparent material in such a case.
  • the two media touch at an interface.
  • special means for changing the size and / or shape of the interface between these two media are provided. This means that pressure is exerted on the corresponding medium so that it can be shifted - in particular pressed - at the interface in at least one preferred direction in the direction of the other medium.
  • this preferred direction can preferably be the optical axis of the lens element.
  • the means for changing the interface (s) are designed to act on the second medium and that the second medium is displaced, in particular pressed, at least at one interface in at least one preferred direction in the direction of the first medium. will or can become. Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the means for changing the interface (s) are designed to act on the first medium and that the first medium is displaced, in particular pressed, at least at one interface in at least one preferred direction in the direction of the second medium , will or can become.
  • the two media touch at two interfaces and that a medium is shifted, in particular pressed, or pushed in at least one preferred direction in the direction of the other medium via the means for changing the interfaces at one or both interfaces can be.
  • two preferred directions - one for each interface - can be selected.
  • the preferred directions can be oriented in opposite directions.
  • an optical element for variably adjusting the focal length is provided in an optical device, with a receptacle that contains a first flexible medium and a second flexible medium, the media being immiscible, the media in the receptacle are spatially fixed and with the two media touching at an interface, and with means for changing the size and / or shape of the interface between the two media.
  • this optical element is characterized in that the second medium is enclosed on all sides by the first medium, that the means for changing the interface are designed to act on the first and / or second medium, and that the means for changing the interface are designed to generate a Pressure on the first and / or second medium are formed.
  • the second medium which advantageously has a spherical configuration in the initial state, is surrounded on all sides by the first medium.
  • the first medium can in turn be water, for example, and the second medium can advantageously be a suitable oil.
  • the two media advantageously have the same density so that the second medium is held in position within the first medium and cannot sink, that is to say that gravitational effects can be effectively excluded.
  • the means for changing the interface now exert pressure on the first and / or second medium.
  • the pressure is transferred from the first to the second medium so that it is compressed at the pressure application point, which changes the size and / or shape of the interface between the two media.
  • the second medium can be brought into an elliptical configuration from the originally spherical initial shape.
  • pressure is applied to the second medium, it will expand against the first medium so that the size and / or shape of the interface between the two media will also change in this case.
  • the means for changing the interface act on the first and / or second medium such that the curvature of the interface between the first and second medium changes.
  • the invention is not restricted to certain types of medium.
  • the first medium and / or the second medium is a liquid.
  • the first medium can be water, while the second medium is an oil.
  • the first medium can be an electrically conductive medium, while the second medium is electrically insulating.
  • the electrical conductivity of at least one of the media is no longer required in the solution according to the invention.
  • the media can also be designed in a different way. It is only important that the media are flexible in form. It is therefore also conceivable, for example, that the first medium and / or the second medium is / are in the form of a gel.
  • the second medium is in the form of a drop.
  • a drop is generally understood to mean a small amount of medium of spherical or elongated round shape, at least in some areas.
  • the first and second medium preferably have the same density.
  • the first medium and the second medium have different optical properties, for example different optical indices. It can be provided, for example, that the first medium and the second medium have different refractive indices. According to an advantageous - not exclusive - example it is provided that the first medium has a low Refractive index (refractive index), while the second medium has a high refractive index.
  • these transparent areas of the contact surface or the container wall preferably have the same or a similar refractive index as the adjacent medium. This avoids broken beam paths and unwanted reflections.
  • the first and / or second medium is spatially fixed within the receptacle.
  • the optical element is designed in the form of a lens element in which a beam path is to pass through the lens element in a defined manner.
  • the spatial fixation is preferably carried out by means of suitable fixation means.
  • the invention is not restricted to certain types of fixing agents.
  • the fixing means can be designed in the form of a special surface design of the contact surface and / or in the form of a special surface quality of the contact surface.
  • the surface is advantageously designed so that it can hold the medium in position.
  • the special surface condition can be realized, for example, by means of a special surface coating.
  • a special surface quality with regard to wettability can advantageously be provided.
  • the invention is of course not limited to the examples mentioned.
  • the media are fixed by a suitable choice of surface materials and / or local surface coatings within the receptacle, for example the wall of the receptacle.
  • the spatial fixation of the media can be done by applying a suitable, preferably fixed voltage.
  • the first medium is designed as an electrically conductive medium and the second medium as an electrically insulating medium.
  • the spatial fixation via the structural design of the walls within the receptacle, for example by providing them with suitable projections, edges, undercuts, cutouts and the like.
  • the general purpose of the fixing means is that the position of the media within the receptacle remains unchanged, so that in particular a defined beam path can be generated via the optical element.
  • an opening is provided in the contact surface of the receptacle, for example in an intermediate layer - against which the second medium lies, and that the second medium is fixed in the region of this opening.
  • the opening can in particular extend around an optical axis of the optical element, so that a light beam can pass through this opening and then through the first and second medium.
  • all the components of the optical element in question are designed to be transparent in the area of the opening.
  • the means for changing the interface are designed as mechanical means.
  • the mechanical means can be designed, for example, as a piston device or cylinder device.
  • the means for changing the interface are in the form of a controllable membrane.
  • the invention is of course also not limited to certain types of drives for the means for changing the interface.
  • the means it is possible for the means to be designed to be electrically operable. The voltages required in such a case are in the lower volt range. Such agents are therefore particularly energy-saving and cost-effective.
  • other types of drive for the means for changing the interface are also possible.
  • they are magnetically and / or electromagnetically and / or pneumatically and / or hydraulically and / or piezoelectrically actuated. The selection of the appropriate type of drive depends on the type of application and location of the optical element.
  • optical element With the optical element according to the invention, it is possible in a particularly simple and inexpensive way to implement a change in the focal length of the optical element. This can be done in a particularly simple manner by the selection of suitable parameters, for example the selection of suitable media - for example liquids - within the receptacle, the suitable design of the surfaces within the receptacle, the shape and size of the opening (s), the selection of the suitable one Angle of the interface curvature and the like.
  • suitable parameters for example the selection of suitable media - for example liquids - within the receptacle, the suitable design of the surfaces within the receptacle, the shape and size of the opening (s), the selection of the suitable one Angle of the interface curvature and the like.
  • optical elements Even if the optical element has only been described so far using two different media, it is of course also possible to use optical elements with three or more media within the receptacle, which is then designed differently in each case.
  • the design and mode of operation of such optical elements are derived in an analogous manner from what has been described above, so that reference is made to the above statements in this regard.
  • an optical device with variable focal length which has a number of optical elements. It is provided according to the invention that at least one of the optical elements is designed in a manner according to the invention as described above.
  • the invention is of course not limited to specific types optical devices limited.
  • the optical elements according to the invention can thus be used in all optical devices in which a change in the focal length is necessary. These can be, for example, video camcorders, cameras, binoculars, glasses with close and distant vision, adjustable glasses and the like.
  • Such an optical device can particularly advantageously be a microscope, in particular an operating microscope, or an endoscope.
  • an optical element as described above is therefore used in a particularly advantageous manner in an optical device with variable focal length and / or with variable spectral splitting and / or with variable beam guidance, in particular in a microscope or an endoscope, or a telescope , or a telescope, or a camera, or a camcorder, or a camera in a mobile phone, or a magnifying glass, or a head magnifier.
  • FIG. 1 shows an optical element according to a first solution known from the prior art
  • FIG. 2 shows an optical element of a further solution known from the prior art
  • Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of an optical element according to the present invention
  • Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of an optical element according to the present invention
  • Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of an optical element according to the invention
  • FIG. 6 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of an optical element according to the invention.
  • the optical elements 10, 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 have already been explained in connection with the introduction to the description, so that reference is made to the corresponding statements in this regard.
  • FIGS. 3 to 6 show optical elements according to the present invention, which are to be lens elements with a variable focal length.
  • the optical elements are to be used in an optical device with variable focal length, for example in an operating microscope or an endoscope (not shown in each case).
  • the optical element 60 shown in FIG. 3 initially consists of a receptacle 62, which is delimited, among other things, by a container bottom 64 and a container lid 63 opposite this.
  • the optical axis 61 runs perpendicular to the container bottom 64, along which the beam path 65 of a light beam runs through the optical element 60.
  • the container bottom 64 and also the container lid 63 have a transparent area.
  • the entire container bottom 64 and the entire container lid 63 are formed from a transparent material.
  • both media 66, 67 are flexible in shape. Both media 66, 67 cannot be mixed with one another, have different optical properties (different refractive indices n1 and n2) and at least have a similar density. In addition, both media 66, 67 are transparent.
  • the form-flexible media 66, 67 can be liquids, for example the first medium 66 being water and the second medium 67 being oil.
  • the receptacle 62 there is an intermediate layer formed as a contact surface 68, which in turn has an opening 74.
  • the opening 74 is also formed concentrically around the optical axis 61 within the intermediate layer 68.
  • those surfaces within the receptacle 62 that are wetted with the first medium 66 are identified by a dashed line, while those surfaces that are wetted with the second medium 67 are identified by a dash-dotted line.
  • the two liquids 66, 67 are spatially fixed in the receptacle 62 by suitable means, the second liquid 67 abutting at least in regions on the intermediate layer 68 formed as a contact surface within the receptacle 62.
  • the second liquid 67 is also fixed in the area of the opening 74, so that the liquid 67, which has a teardrop shape at least in the area of the interface 69 between the first and second liquids 66, 67, extends concentrically around the optical axis 61.
  • a light beam 65 entering the optical element 60 thus first passes through the transparent area of the container bottom 64, then the second liquid 67 and the opening 74 in the contact surface 68 within the receiving container 62, then the first liquid 66 and then a transparent area of the container lid 63 ,
  • the means 70 for changing the interface 69 are designed in the form of a membrane 71 which forms part of the intermediate layer 68.
  • At least one magnet or metal plate 72 is located on or in the membrane 71.
  • An electromagnet 73 can be used to act on this plate 72.
  • the plate 72 is designed as a magnetic plate, depending on the polarity, this can be attracted when the electromagnet 73 is actuated in the direction of the container bottom 64, or can be pushed off in the direction of the container lid 63. If the plate 72 is designed as a metal plate, this is either attracted or pushed off when the electromagnet 73 is actuated.
  • the means 70 for changing the interface 69 now make it possible to act directly on the liquid 67. This is done in such a way that the second liquid 67 at the interface 69 to the first liquid 66 is pressed in at least one preferred direction - in the present example in the direction of the optical axis 61 - in the direction of the first liquid 66. This is done in a particularly simple and energy-saving manner by actuating the membrane 71.
  • the membrane 71 In the initial state, the membrane 71 is in its horizontal starting position.
  • the second liquid 67 has a teardrop shape on the contact surface 68, the interface 69 between the liquids 67 and 66 having a flat curvature. This is shown by a solid line.
  • the electromagnet 73 is now actuated and the plate 72 is attracted, for example, in the direction of the container bottom 64, this leads to the membrane 71 also deflecting in the direction of the container bottom 64.
  • the second liquid 67 is pressed out through the opening 74, as a result of which the curvature of the interface 69 changes into a substantially more curved shape, which is represented by a broken line.
  • the second liquid 67 is thus pressed in the direction of the optical axis 61 in the direction of the first liquid 66, which likewise results in a change in the focal length of the optical device (not shown).
  • FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of an optical element according to the present invention, which has a further embodiment for the means for changing the interface.
  • the optical element 40 shown in FIG. 4 initially consists of a receptacle 42, which is delimited, among other things, by a container bottom 43 and a container lid opposite it.
  • the optical axis 41 runs perpendicular to the container bottom 43, along which the beam path 45 of a light beam runs through the optical element 40.
  • the container bottom 43 and also the container lid have a transparent area 44.
  • the entire container bottom 43 and the entire container lid are formed from a transparent material.
  • both media 46, 47 are not miscible with one another, have different optical properties and at least have a similar density.
  • both media 46, 47 are at least partially transparent.
  • the form-flexible media can likewise be liquids, the first medium 46, for example, being water and the second medium 47 being oil.
  • the first medium 46 lies against the container lid, which is transparent at least in some areas.
  • the medium and the transparent area of the container lid advantageously have the same refractive indices n1, so that neither broken rays nor undesired reflections can occur.
  • the transparent area 44 of the container bottom 43 and the medium 47 which bears against the transparent area 44, have identical or similar refractive indices n2.
  • the container lid and first medium 46, or container bottom 43 and second medium 47 can then be viewed as a single medium.
  • the contact surface 48 in the form of an intermediate layer, which in turn has an opening 52.
  • the opening 52 within the contact surface 48 is concentric around the optical axis 41 educated.
  • the intermediate layer can have a horizontal or an oblique orientation.
  • the two liquids 46, 47 are spatially fixed in the receiving container 42 by suitable means, the second liquid 47 resting at least in regions on the contact surface 48 of the receiving container 42.
  • the second liquid 47 is also fixed in the area of the opening 52, so that the liquid 47, which has a teardrop shape at least in the area of the interface 49 between the first and second liquids 46, 47, extends concentrically around the optical axis 41. This can be achieved, for example, by suitable shaping and / or surface coating of the contact surface 48.
  • a light beam 45 entering the optical element 40 thus first passes through the transparent area 44 of the container bottom 43, then the second liquid 47 and the opening 52 in the wall 48 of the receiving container 42, then the first liquid 46 and then a transparent area of the container lid.
  • a change in the focal length of the optical element 40 and thus a change in the focal length of the optical device is now carried out in such a way that the size and / or shape of the interface 49 - for example its curvature - between the two liquids 46, 47 is changed.
  • the means 50 for changing the interface 49 are designed in the form of a piston device 51, the piston 51 moving within a cylinder 53.
  • the means 50 for changing the interface 49 now make it possible to act directly on the liquid 47. This is done in such a way that the second liquid 47 at the interface 49 with the first liquid 46 is pressed in at least one preferred direction - in the present example in the direction of the optical axis 41 - in the direction of the first liquid. This is done in a particularly simple and energy-saving manner by actuating the piston device 51.
  • the piston device 51 In the initial state, the piston device 51 is in the initial position shown by a solid line.
  • the second liquid 47 has a teardrop shape on the wall 48, the interface 49 between the liquids 47 and 46 having a flat curvature. This is also shown by a solid line.
  • the second liquid 47 is pressed out through the opening 52, as a result of which the curvature of the interface 49 becomes a much more curved shape changes, which is represented by a dashed line.
  • the second liquid 47 is thus pressed in the direction of the optical axis 41 in the direction of the first liquid 46, which likewise results in a change in the focal length of the optical device (not shown).
  • the optical element 80 shown in FIG. 5 in turn has a receptacle 82 which is delimited by a cover element 83, a container bottom 84 and side walls 86, 87. At least in the region of the optical axis 81, along which the light beam direction 85 runs, the container bottom 82 and the container lid 83 are transparent.
  • the first flexible medium 90 has a refractive index n1
  • the flexible second medium 91 has a refractive index n2.
  • the second medium 91 does not lie against the container bottom 84 or an intermediate layer located in the receiving container 82.
  • the contact surfaces 88, 89 in the present example are designed as partial areas of the side walls 86, 87.
  • the second medium 91 is thus held on the side and not on the optical axis 81.
  • the contact surfaces 88, 89 therefore do not have to be transparent.
  • the surface is advantageous of the contact surfaces 88, 89 each designed such that the second medium 91 is held there.
  • the first medium 90 is located both above and below the second medium 91, so that the two media 90, 91 touch at two interfaces 92, 93.
  • those surfaces within the receptacle 82 that are wetted with the first medium 90 are identified by a dashed line, while those surfaces that are wetted with the second medium 91 are identified by a dash-dotted line.
  • the second medium 91 is pressed outwards, whereby the curvature of the interfaces 92, 93 change into a much more curved shape.
  • the second medium 91 is thus pressed in two oppositely oriented preferred directions in the direction of the optical axis 81 in the direction of the first medium 90, which likewise results in a change in the focal length of the optical device (not shown).
  • FIG. 6 shows yet another exemplary embodiment of an optical element 100 according to the present invention, the sub-figures a) and b) each representing different operating states.
  • the optical element 100 in turn has a receptacle 102, among other things with a container bottom 103 and a lid element 104.
  • a container bottom 103 and a lid element 104 In the present example, not only their areas around the optical axis 101 are to be made transparent. Rather, both the container bottom 103 and the cover element 104 should be transparent in their entirety.
  • the container bottom 103 has a curved surface directed into the receiving container.
  • Both the container bottom 103 and the cover element 104 have a refractive index n1 which is identical or similar to the refractive index n1 of a first medium 105 of flexible shape located in the receiving container 102.
  • the first medium 105 can be water, for example, while the container bottom 103 and the lid element 104 are made of glass, for example.
  • the receptacle 102 there is also a second flexible medium 106 with the same density as the first medium 105, but with a different refractive index n2.
  • the second medium is, for example, an oil.
  • the second medium 106 which is approximately spherical in the starting position according to FIG. 6a), is surrounded on all sides by the first medium 105. In contrast to the exemplary embodiments described above, the second medium is therefore not in contact with any contact surface. Since both media 105, 106 have the same density and the design of the container bottom 103 ensures that the second medium 106 is held in position in FIG. 6a.
  • a change in the focal length of the optical element 100 and thus a change in the focal length of the optical device now takes place in such a way that the size and / or shape of the interface 107 - for example its curvature - is changed between the two media 105, 106.
  • the means 108 for changing the interface 107 are designed in the form of a piston device 109, the piston 109 moving along its direction of displacement 110 within the receiving container 102.
  • the piston device 109 is made of a transparent material, for example of glass. Furthermore, the piston device 109 advantageously has a refractive index n1 which corresponds to, or is similar to, the refractive index n1 of the first medium 105.
  • the means 108 for changing the interface 107 now make it possible to act directly on the first medium 105 and indirectly on the second medium 106.
  • the piston device 109 In the initial state, the piston device 109 is in the initial position shown in FIG. 6a.
  • the second medium 106 has a spherical shape.
  • the piston device 109 is now actuated and is displaced along the displacement direction 110 into a second position shown in FIG. 6b, the second medium is pressed into an elliptical shape, which also results in a change in the focal length of the optical device (not shown).

Abstract

L'invention concerne un élément optique (60) permettant d'ajuster de manière modulable la longueur focale dans un dispositif optique. Ledit élément optique comprend un logement de réception (62) contenant un premier milieu (66) de forme flexible,, ainsi qu'un second milieu (67) de forme flexible, lesdits milieux n'étant pas miscibles. Lesdits milieux sont fixés spatialement dans le logement de réception (62). Le second milieu (67) repose sur au moins une surface d'appui (68) à l'intérieur du logement de réception (62) et les deux milieux sont en contact, au moins à une interface (69). Il est en outre prévu des moyens (70) permettant de modifier l'importance et/ou la forme de l'interface (69) entre les deux milieux. L'invention vise à produire cet élément optique de manière simple, en termes de conception, et économique, en matière d'énergie. A cet effet, il est prévu que les moyens (70) destinés à modifier l'interface (les interfaces) (69) soient conçus de sorte à agir sur le premier et/ou sur le second milieu (66, 67). Il est également prévu que les moyens (70) destinés à modifier l'interface (les interfaces) (69) soient conçus de sorte à exercer une pression sur le premier et/ou sur le second milieu (66, 67). En outre, il est prévu qu'un milieu soit déplacé, de préférence comprimé, par l'intermédiaire de ces moyens (70), au niveau d'au moins une interface (69), dans au moins une direction préférée (61) dans le sens, dans chaque cas, de l'autre milieu.
PCT/EP2004/011930 2003-10-23 2004-10-21 Element optique pour ajustement modulable de la longueur focale dans un dispositif optique et dispositif optique correspondant WO2005040865A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE2003149467 DE10349467A1 (de) 2003-10-23 2003-10-23 Optisches Element zum veränderbaren Einstellen der Fokallänge in einem optischen Gerät sowie optisches Gerät
DE10349467.7 2003-10-23

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GB2427283B (en) * 2004-04-01 2007-11-28 1 Ltd Variable focal length lens
US7725016B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2010-05-25 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. Liquid zoom lens

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011113066A1 (de) 2011-09-09 2013-03-14 Rainer Schmidt Gesteuertes optisches Element

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DE19710668A1 (de) * 1997-03-14 1998-09-17 Robert Seidel Variable optische Systeme
US5864128A (en) * 1991-10-15 1999-01-26 Geo Labs, Inc. Lens with variable focal length
WO2003069380A1 (fr) * 2002-02-14 2003-08-21 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Lentille a foyer variable
WO2004077126A1 (fr) * 2003-02-25 2004-09-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Objectif pour dispositif d'enregistrement/lecture a disque optique comprenant un objectif variable constitue par l'interface entre deux fluides non miscibles
WO2004099845A1 (fr) * 2003-05-06 2004-11-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Module d'electromouillage
WO2004102253A1 (fr) * 2003-05-14 2004-11-25 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Lentille de forme variable

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DE3410153A1 (de) * 1983-03-21 1985-02-07 Helmut 2420 Eutin Krueger-Beuster Panhydraulisches, optisches system
US5864128A (en) * 1991-10-15 1999-01-26 Geo Labs, Inc. Lens with variable focal length
DE19710668A1 (de) * 1997-03-14 1998-09-17 Robert Seidel Variable optische Systeme
WO2003069380A1 (fr) * 2002-02-14 2003-08-21 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Lentille a foyer variable
WO2004077126A1 (fr) * 2003-02-25 2004-09-10 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Objectif pour dispositif d'enregistrement/lecture a disque optique comprenant un objectif variable constitue par l'interface entre deux fluides non miscibles
WO2004099845A1 (fr) * 2003-05-06 2004-11-18 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Module d'electromouillage
WO2004102253A1 (fr) * 2003-05-14 2004-11-25 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Lentille de forme variable

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2427283B (en) * 2004-04-01 2007-11-28 1 Ltd Variable focal length lens
US7725016B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2010-05-25 Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. Liquid zoom lens

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