WO2008057525A1 - Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same - Google Patents

Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008057525A1
WO2008057525A1 PCT/US2007/023345 US2007023345W WO2008057525A1 WO 2008057525 A1 WO2008057525 A1 WO 2008057525A1 US 2007023345 W US2007023345 W US 2007023345W WO 2008057525 A1 WO2008057525 A1 WO 2008057525A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lens
fluid
fluids
immiscible
optical
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/023345
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jacques Gollier
Original Assignee
Corning Incorporated
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 Corning Incorporated filed Critical Corning Incorporated
Priority to JP2009536271A priority Critical patent/JP2010509640A/en
Priority to CN2007800457439A priority patent/CN101558332B/en
Publication of WO2008057525A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008057525A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to tunable fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating tunable fluid lenses.
  • a fluid lens is configured such that an optical signal may propagate from an input side of the lens to an output side of the lens along an axis of optical propagation extending through first and second lens surfaces defined by first, second, and third substantially immiscible fluids of the lens.
  • the lens includes a fluid reservoir that is configured such that the first immiscible fluid is mechanically coupled to the third immiscible fluid via the second immiscible fluid.
  • the respective lens surfaces are formed along the interfaces between the first, second, and third immiscible fluids.
  • the first and second lens surfaces are offset relative to each other along a direction ⁇ : orthogonal to the axis of optical propagation z of the lens.
  • a third lens surface may be provided along an interface of two addition immiscible fluids and one or both of the first and second lens surfaces can be offset relative to the third lens surface along a direction ⁇ orthogonal to the direction x and the axis of optical propagation z.
  • an optical system comprising a fluid lens according to the present invention.
  • the fluid lens is configured in the system to direct light propagating in the system by creating a global beam steering effect in the propagating light, varying the focal length of the fluid lens, or both.
  • a semiconductor laser such as a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser or a distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) laser
  • a light wavelength conversion device such as a second-harmonic-generation (SHG) crystal
  • the SHG crystal can be configured to generate higher harmonic waves of the fundamental laser signal by tuning, for example, a 1060nm DBR or DFB laser to the spectral center of a SHG crystal, which converts the wavelength to 530nm, i.e., in the green portion of the visible spectrum.
  • a tunable lens according to the present invention can be positioned to direct light from the laser chip to the light wavelength conversion device.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tandem fluid lens according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the tandem fluid lens of Fig. 1 in one biased state according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the tandem fluid lens of Fig. 1 in another biased state according to the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a tandem fluid lens according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a tandem fluid lens according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of the present invention comprising three lens components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • a fluid lens 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.
  • the fluid lens 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises first and second fluid lens components 12, 14.
  • the first fluid lens component 12 comprises a first lens surface 13 along an interface of first and second immiscible fluids 21, 22 contained within a fluid reservoir 20 of the lens 10.
  • the second fluid lens component 14 comprises a second lens surface 15 along an interface of second and third immiscible fluids 22, 23 contained within the fluid reservoir 20.
  • reference herein to a lens component "comprising" a lens surface should not be interpreted as a limitation on the physical location of the surface.
  • the surface should be read as a part of the lens component, regardless of its position.
  • the first lens surface 13 will be part of the first lens component regardless of how far the surface extends in the direction of the third immiscible fluid 23.
  • the index of refraction of the second immiscible fluid 22 is different than the respective indices of refraction of the first and third immiscible fluids 21, 23, to ensure that the first and second lens surfaces 13, 15 introduce desired optical effects in the lens 10.
  • the respective indices of refraction should be different enough to introduce an optically significant change in the signal at each lens surface.
  • the fluid lens 10 can be positioned along the optical path between the optical output of the laser chip and the input of a PPLN wavelength conversion crystal.
  • a pair of collimating lenses are provided and the fluid lens 10 is positioned in a collimated portion of the optical path between the collimating lenses.
  • the fluid lens 10 may be tuned in the manner described herein to improve coupling efficiency between the laser output and the PPLN crystal by realigning the propagating light relative to the input face of the PPLN crystal, by adjusting the focus of the propagating light at the input face of the PPLN crystal, or both.
  • the change introduced in the optical signal may be static, the various embodiments of the present invention are particularly well-suited for creating a beam steering effect in an optical system by varying the degree to which the optical signal is redirected. Further, the various embodiments of the present invention are particularly well-suited for providing a variation in focal length by varying the degree to which the focal length of the lens 10 is varied.
  • the first and third immiscible fluids 21 , 23 can be provided as electrically responsive fluids and the lens 10 may comprise control electrodes 30, 32, 34 configured to generate respective electric fields capable of altering the shape and/or orientation of one or both of the lens surfaces 13, 15.
  • the control electrodes 30, 32, 34 may be configured to at least partially bound the fluid reservoir 20, as is illustrated in Fig. 1, where the electrodes 30 and 34 comprise partially conical wall portions.
  • the angle at which the electrically responsive lens fluid interfaces with the conical wall of the reservoir and the point along which the fluid interfaces with the wall of the reservoir is a function of the control voltages applied to the control electrodes. In this manner, the shape and orientation of the respective lens surfaces can be controlled as a function of the control voltage applied to the control electrodes.
  • the variation of the electrode voltages changes the radii of curvature of the first and second lens surfaces 13, 15. This change in curvature changes the focal length of the first and second lens components 12 and 14. If the lenses are laterally offset a distance a , as is illustrated in Fig. 1 , changes in the radii of curvature of the lens components 12, 14 can be translated into selective adjustment of the direction of propagation of a propagating optical signal and adjustment of the focal length of the lens 10. Beam focus and beam steering can be adjusted independently by applying different signals to the lens components 12 and 14.
  • the following equations illustrate beam steering and focus adjustment of an optical beam spot at the input of a PPLN wavelength conversion crystal in an optical configuration comprising a laser diode, a first collimating lens Ll , a fluid lens 10 comprising the first and second lens components 12, 14, a second collimating lens L2, and a PPLN crystal in succession along an optical path:
  • D y is the lateral translation of the beam spot at the input of the PPLN crystal
  • D 2 is the focus translation of the of the beam spot at the input of the PPLN crystal
  • /J and / 2 are the respective focal lengths of the first and second fluid lens components 12, 14, and
  • f L1 is the focal length of the second collimating lens L2. Accordingly, the lateral position of the beam spot can
  • focus can be changed by adjusting /, and / 2 while maintaining the difference constant.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a contemplated alteration of the shape of the lens surfaces 13, 15.
  • the control electrodes 30, 32, 34 are circularly symmetric and would be provided with electric potentials that would generate lens surfaces 13', 15' having an altered degree of curvature.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a contemplated alteration of the orientation of the lens surfaces of the first and second lens components 12, 14.
  • the control electrodes 30, 32, 34 are not circularly symmetric and would be provided with electric potentials that would generate lens surfaces 13', 15' having an altered orientation.
  • each control electrode 30, 32, 34 can be subdivided to include two or more individually controllable component electrodes or electrode portions. More specifically, while the control electrodes 30 and 34 may comprise respective, continuous conical electrodes and the control electrode 32 may comprise a continuous ring electrode, it is contemplated that each conical or ring electrode may be divided along an arc of the electrode into component electrodes to provide for enhanced control of the lens surfaces 13, 15. Examples of electrode components used in the context of a tunable fluid lens are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,823. Only those portions of this patents necessary to facilitate an understanding of the manner in which an electrode in a tunable fluid lens can be used to alter the curvature of a fluid lens surfaces are incorporated herein by reference.
  • a fluid that is "electrically responsive" may be an electrically conductive fluid, a poled fluid of limited conductivity, or any fluid that can be arranged to physically respond to the application of an electric or magnetic field thereto, in the manner described herein. It is also contemplated that it may be sufficient to provide only the second immiscible fluid 22 as the electrically responsive fluid because its shape and orientation of the second immiscible fluid 22 will affect the shape and orientation of the first and third immiscible fluids 21, 23 by virtue of the mechanical coupling between the second immiscible fluid 22 and the other two immiscible fluids. In addition, it is also contemplated that all of the immiscible fluids 21, 22, 23 provided in the lens can be selected to be electrically responsive.
  • the lens 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1 and elsewhere as comprising respective electrical insulators 36 positioned between the control electrodes 30, 32, 34. Electrical insulators 36 may bound the fluid reservoir 20, for example as shown in Fig. 1.
  • Figs. 6A and 6B One significant aspect of the present invention is illustrated with reference to Figs. 6A and 6B, where the respective positions of the first and second lens components 12, 14 are illustrated with reference to an orthogonal X-Y-Z coordinate system.
  • the first and second lens components can be positioned and the control electrodes 30, 32, 34 can be controlled such that the corresponding lens surfaces 13, 15 of each component are offset relative to each other along a direction x, which is orthogonal to the direction z representing the general direction of the axis of optical propagation.
  • Fig. 6B schematically illustrates the offset relationship of the respective lens components 12, 14 in the X-Y plane. This offset relationship allows a user to achieve significant beam steering in the x direction with a control electrode configuration of relatively low complexity.
  • Figs. 6A and 6B also illustrate a third fluid lens component 16 comprising a third lens surface 17 along an interface of first and second immiscible fluids 21, 22 contained within an additional fluid reservoir of the lens 10.
  • the first lens surface 13 of the first lens component 12 is offset relative to the third lens surface 17 of the third lens component 16 along a direction y orthogonal to the direction x.
  • alterations in the shape and/or orientation of the third lens surface 17 will allow a user to achieve significant beam steering in the y direction with a control electrode configuration of relatively low complexity.
  • the resulting combination of offset lens components illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B will collectively permit convenient beam steering throughout the X-Y plane, while preserving the above-noted ability to vary the focus of the lens 10.
  • each fluid reservoir 20 is at least partially bound by an input window 24 and an output window 26, each of which may be positioned along the axis of optical propagation of the lens 10.
  • the reservoir 20 is also bounded by walls 40 that interface with the lens surfaces 13, 15, 17.
  • These walls generally extend along the axis of optical propagation and may be parallel to the axis of optical propagation or inwardly or outwardly conical, i.e., inclined relative to the axis of optical propagation.
  • the walls may comprise a relatively simple linear wall or more complex curved walls.
  • respective portions of the walls 40 may comprise a combination of distinct wall portions of varying shape and orientation.
  • Contemplated profiles include, but are not limited to, the above-described linear conical profile, hyperbolic conical profiles, parabolic conical profiles, cylindrical profiles, rectangular profiles, or other linear or non-linear profiles, including combinations thereof.
  • Figs. 1-3 illustrate a fluid reservoir having a substantially continuous volume, where the second immiscible fluid 22 mechanically couples the first immiscible fluid 21 to the third immiscible fluid 23, it is contemplated that the first immiscible fluid 21 may be mechanically coupled to the third immiscible fluid 23 via the second immiscible fluid 22 and one or more additional immiscible fluids.
  • a relatively rigid partition 50 can be provided in the second immiscible fluid to partition the fluids and help isolate movement of the respective fluid lens surfaces 13, 15 from each other, stabilize the structure of the lens 10, ease assembly of the lens 10, etc.
  • the rigid partition 50 may be provided as a relatively thin layer, e.g., a membrane, or a relatively thick component, e.g., a transparent window.
  • the immiscibility of these fluids is typically attributable to the properties of the fluids themselves.
  • the fluids comprise transparent liquids having similar densities. Adjacent fluids within the lens typically have distinguishable refractive indices and may have different polar properties.
  • an electrically responsive oil may be used as the first and third immiscible fluids while an aqueous-based fluid may be provided as the second immiscible fluid.
  • 2006/0152814 provide additional teachings related to the use of immiscible fluids in lenses. It is also contemplated that the immiscibility of the fluids may be enhanced by, or may be solely the result of, a flexible membrane positioned between the fluids. Further, it is noted that immiscible fluids according to the present invention need not be immiscible with respect to all fluids within the lens 10. Rather, the fluid need only be immiscible with respect to an adjacent fluid.
  • the lens surface 13 illustrated in Figs. 1-4 may be said to be convex, taken from the perspective of the first immiscible fluid 21.
  • the lens surface 15 illustrated in Figs. 1 -4 may be said to be convex, taken from the perspective of the third immiscible fluid 23.
  • the lens surfaces 13, 15 illustrated in Fig. 5 may be said to be concave. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention contemplate convex or concave lens surfaces. Further, although not illustrated, embodiments of the present invention are contemplated where one of the lens surface 13, 15 is concave, while the other is convex.
  • the properties of the immiscible fluids 21, 22, 23, the properties of the associated lens surface interface walls 40, and the nature of the electric potential generated at the control electrodes 30, 32, 34, will cooperate to determine the particular lens surface shape embodied in the present invention.
  • the lens surfaces illustrated in Figs. 1-5 have substantially uniform, circumferential surfaces when viewed in a cross-sectional plane cutting through and parallel to the axis of optical propagation of the lens 10, it is noted that in practice the lens surfaces will often vary from the uniform circular arcs illustrated.
  • the convex lens surfaces may more closely approximate an elliptical or other non-circular arc and may include flat or nearly flat surface portions in their respective cross sections.
  • the lens fluids may form a flat or nearly flat lens surface.
  • first and second lens fluids may comprise a hydraulically responsive, pressure sensitive lens fluid where the curvature of the convex lens surfaces can be controlled by controlling the supply of fluid to the respective fluid reservoirs.
  • the first and second fluid supplies can be distinct fluid supplies or a common fluid supply.
  • a fluid lens according to the present invention is configured to direct light propagating in an optical system
  • the lens may further comprise collimating optics configured such that light directed from an input optical device, e.g., a laser chip, to an output optical device, e.g., a SHG crystal, is substantially collimated.
  • collimating optics can be introduced to alleviate optical power demands that would otherwise fall on the tunable lens.
  • the collimating optics can be configured to function primarily as the first order optical components of the system while the tunable lens can be designed to function primarily as a second order correction system.
  • tunable fluid lenses according to the present invention will have particular utility in small and large scale opto-mechanical packages because it is typically difficult to ensure proper mechanical alignment of the optical components in such packages.
  • a semiconductor laser comprising a laser chip and a second-harmonic- generation (SHG) waveguide crystal light wavelength conversion device
  • the present inventor has recognized that it is often necessary to align optical components with sub-micron tolerances.
  • additional opto-mechanical packages contemplated by the present invention include second harmonic generation laser packages, pump laser packages, and other optical packages where a single or multimode optical signal is transmitted between optical waveguides, optical fibers, optical crystals, or various combinations of active or passive optical components.
  • the term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.
  • the term “substantially” is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
  • the term “substantially” is further utilized herein to represent a minimum degree to which a quantitative representation must vary from a stated reference to yield the recited functionality of the subject matter at issue.

Abstract

The present invention provides a variety of fluid lens configurations that enable beam steering and focus adjustment. For example, according to one aspect of the present invention, a fluid lens (10) is configured such that an optical signal may propagate from an input side (24) of the lens (10) to an output side (26) of the lens (10) along an axis of optical propagation extending through first and second lens surfaces (13, 15) defined by the immiscible fluids (21, 22, 23) of the lens (10). Respective tunable lens surfaces (13, 15) are formed along the interfaces between the immiscible fluids (21, 22, 23) and an external signal is capable of changing the shape of those surfaces. Because the two lens components (12, 14) forming the lens surfaces are laterally offset, the focal length and beam steering of the lens (10) can be tuned by varying the shape of the surfaces. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Description

MULTI-FLUED LENSES AND OPTICAL DEVICES INCORPORATING THE SAME
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to tunable fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating tunable fluid lenses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid lens is configured such that an optical signal may propagate from an input side of the lens to an output side of the lens along an axis of optical propagation extending through first and second lens surfaces defined by first, second, and third substantially immiscible fluids of the lens. The lens includes a fluid reservoir that is configured such that the first immiscible fluid is mechanically coupled to the third immiscible fluid via the second immiscible fluid. The respective lens surfaces are formed along the interfaces between the first, second, and third immiscible fluids.
[0003] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first and second lens surfaces are offset relative to each other along a direction Λ: orthogonal to the axis of optical propagation z of the lens. A third lens surface may be provided along an interface of two addition immiscible fluids and one or both of the first and second lens surfaces can be offset relative to the third lens surface along a direction^ orthogonal to the direction x and the axis of optical propagation z.
[0004] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, an optical system is provided comprising a fluid lens according to the present invention. The fluid lens is configured in the system to direct light propagating in the system by creating a global beam steering effect in the propagating light, varying the focal length of the fluid lens, or both.
[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide improved designs for tunable fluid lenses and improved semiconductor lasers and other types of opto-mechanical packages incorporating such lenses. For example, it may be advantageous to utilize beam steering where a semiconductor laser, such as a distributed-feedback (DFB) laser or a distributed-Bragg-reflector (DBR) laser, is combined with a light wavelength conversion device, such as a second-harmonic-generation (SHG) crystal, to create a short wavelength source. More specifically, the SHG crystal can be configured to generate higher harmonic waves of the fundamental laser signal by tuning, for example, a 1060nm DBR or DFB laser to the spectral center of a SHG crystal, which converts the wavelength to 530nm, i.e., in the green portion of the visible spectrum. A tunable lens according to the present invention can be positioned to direct light from the laser chip to the light wavelength conversion device. Other objects of the present invention will be apparent in light of the description of the invention embodied herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:
[0007] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a tandem fluid lens according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of the tandem fluid lens of Fig. 1 in one biased state according to the present invention;
[0009] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the tandem fluid lens of Fig. 1 in another biased state according to the present invention;
[0010] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a tandem fluid lens according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] Fig. 5 is a schematic illustration of a tandem fluid lens according to an additional embodiment of the present invention; and
[0012] Figs. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of the present invention comprising three lens components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Referring initially to Fig. 1, a fluid lens 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Generally, the fluid lens 10 illustrated in Fig. 1 comprises first and second fluid lens components 12, 14. The first fluid lens component 12 comprises a first lens surface 13 along an interface of first and second immiscible fluids 21, 22 contained within a fluid reservoir 20 of the lens 10. Similarly, the second fluid lens component 14 comprises a second lens surface 15 along an interface of second and third immiscible fluids 22, 23 contained within the fluid reservoir 20. For the purposes of defining and describing the present invention, it is noted that reference herein to a lens component "comprising" a lens surface should not be interpreted as a limitation on the physical location of the surface. Rather, the surface should be read as a part of the lens component, regardless of its position. For example, in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, it is contemplated that the first lens surface 13 will be part of the first lens component regardless of how far the surface extends in the direction of the third immiscible fluid 23.
[0014] The index of refraction of the second immiscible fluid 22 is different than the respective indices of refraction of the first and third immiscible fluids 21, 23, to ensure that the first and second lens surfaces 13, 15 introduce desired optical effects in the lens 10. Specifically, where an optical signal propagates from an input side of the lens 10 to an output side of the lens 10 along an axis of optical propagation extending through the first and second lens surfaces 13, 15, the respective indices of refraction should be different enough to introduce an optically significant change in the signal at each lens surface.
[0015] For example, and not by way of limitation, in the context of a semiconductor laser comprising a laser chip, a light wavelength conversion device, and a fluid lens 10 according to the present invention, the fluid lens 10 can be positioned along the optical path between the optical output of the laser chip and the input of a PPLN wavelength conversion crystal. Preferably, a pair of collimating lenses are provided and the fluid lens 10 is positioned in a collimated portion of the optical path between the collimating lenses. The fluid lens 10 may be tuned in the manner described herein to improve coupling efficiency between the laser output and the PPLN crystal by realigning the propagating light relative to the input face of the PPLN crystal, by adjusting the focus of the propagating light at the input face of the PPLN crystal, or both. Although the change introduced in the optical signal may be static, the various embodiments of the present invention are particularly well-suited for creating a beam steering effect in an optical system by varying the degree to which the optical signal is redirected. Further, the various embodiments of the present invention are particularly well-suited for providing a variation in focal length by varying the degree to which the focal length of the lens 10 is varied.
[0016] Specifically, referring to Fig. 1 as an example, the first and third immiscible fluids 21 , 23 can be provided as electrically responsive fluids and the lens 10 may comprise control electrodes 30, 32, 34 configured to generate respective electric fields capable of altering the shape and/or orientation of one or both of the lens surfaces 13, 15. The control electrodes 30, 32, 34 may be configured to at least partially bound the fluid reservoir 20, as is illustrated in Fig. 1, where the electrodes 30 and 34 comprise partially conical wall portions. The angle at which the electrically responsive lens fluid interfaces with the conical wall of the reservoir and the point along which the fluid interfaces with the wall of the reservoir is a function of the control voltages applied to the control electrodes. In this manner, the shape and orientation of the respective lens surfaces can be controlled as a function of the control voltage applied to the control electrodes.
[0017] For example, and not by way of limitation, in the specific case where the electrode and the geometry of the first and second lens components 12, 14 are rotationally symmetric, the variation of the electrode voltages changes the radii of curvature of the first and second lens surfaces 13, 15. This change in curvature changes the focal length of the first and second lens components 12 and 14. If the lenses are laterally offset a distance a , as is illustrated in Fig. 1 , changes in the radii of curvature of the lens components 12, 14 can be translated into selective adjustment of the direction of propagation of a propagating optical signal and adjustment of the focal length of the lens 10. Beam focus and beam steering can be adjusted independently by applying different signals to the lens components 12 and 14. For example, the following equations illustrate beam steering and focus adjustment of an optical beam spot at the input of a PPLN wavelength conversion crystal in an optical configuration comprising a laser diode, a first collimating lens Ll , a fluid lens 10 comprising the first and second lens components 12, 14, a second collimating lens L2, and a PPLN crystal in succession along an optical path:
Figure imgf000006_0001
D1 = X1 Ll +
/i VΛ
where Dy is the lateral translation of the beam spot at the input of the PPLN crystal, D2 is the focus translation of the of the beam spot at the input of the PPLN crystal, /J and /2 are the respective focal lengths of the first and second fluid lens components 12, 14, and fL1 is the focal length of the second collimating lens L2. Accordingly, the lateral position of the beam spot can
be adjusted by modifying fx and /2 without changing the sum Yf + Yf ) - Conversely, the
focus can be changed by adjusting /, and /2 while maintaining the difference
Figure imgf000006_0002
constant.
[0018] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a contemplated alteration of the shape of the lens surfaces 13, 15. In the illustration, the control electrodes 30, 32, 34 are circularly symmetric and would be provided with electric potentials that would generate lens surfaces 13', 15' having an altered degree of curvature. Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a contemplated alteration of the orientation of the lens surfaces of the first and second lens components 12, 14. In the illustration, the control electrodes 30, 32, 34 are not circularly symmetric and would be provided with electric potentials that would generate lens surfaces 13', 15' having an altered orientation.
[0019] It is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be employed to impart a virtually unlimited set of lens surface orientations and shapes. For example, it is contemplated that each control electrode 30, 32, 34 can be subdivided to include two or more individually controllable component electrodes or electrode portions. More specifically, while the control electrodes 30 and 34 may comprise respective, continuous conical electrodes and the control electrode 32 may comprise a continuous ring electrode, it is contemplated that each conical or ring electrode may be divided along an arc of the electrode into component electrodes to provide for enhanced control of the lens surfaces 13, 15. Examples of electrode components used in the context of a tunable fluid lens are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,823. Only those portions of this patents necessary to facilitate an understanding of the manner in which an electrode in a tunable fluid lens can be used to alter the curvature of a fluid lens surfaces are incorporated herein by reference.
[0020] For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention, it is noted that a fluid that is "electrically responsive" may be an electrically conductive fluid, a poled fluid of limited conductivity, or any fluid that can be arranged to physically respond to the application of an electric or magnetic field thereto, in the manner described herein. It is also contemplated that it may be sufficient to provide only the second immiscible fluid 22 as the electrically responsive fluid because its shape and orientation of the second immiscible fluid 22 will affect the shape and orientation of the first and third immiscible fluids 21, 23 by virtue of the mechanical coupling between the second immiscible fluid 22 and the other two immiscible fluids. In addition, it is also contemplated that all of the immiscible fluids 21, 22, 23 provided in the lens can be selected to be electrically responsive.
[0021] The particular manner in which the electric field generated by the control electrodes can be used to alter the shape and orientation of the lens surfaces 13, 15 is beyond the scope of the present invention and may be discerned from a variety of readily available teachings on the subject. For example, and not by way of limitation, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,538,823, 6,778,328, and 6,936,809 provide specific instruction on the subject. Only those portions of these patents necessary to facilitate an understanding of the manner in which an electric field can be used to alter the curvature of the convex lens surfaces are incorporated herein by reference.
[0022] In practicing the present invention, it is contemplated that it will often be preferable to maximize operational versatility by ensuring that suitable control electronics and respective independently controllable electrodes 30, 32, 34 are provided to allow the generation of at least two distinct electric fields capable of altering independently the respective shapes of the first and second lens surfaces 13, 15. To this end, the lens 10 is illustrated in Fig. 1 and elsewhere as comprising respective electrical insulators 36 positioned between the control electrodes 30, 32, 34. Electrical insulators 36 may bound the fluid reservoir 20, for example as shown in Fig. 1. [0023] One significant aspect of the present invention is illustrated with reference to Figs. 6A and 6B, where the respective positions of the first and second lens components 12, 14 are illustrated with reference to an orthogonal X-Y-Z coordinate system. As is illustrated in Fig. 6A, the first and second lens components can be positioned and the control electrodes 30, 32, 34 can be controlled such that the corresponding lens surfaces 13, 15 of each component are offset relative to each other along a direction x, which is orthogonal to the direction z representing the general direction of the axis of optical propagation. Fig. 6B schematically illustrates the offset relationship of the respective lens components 12, 14 in the X-Y plane. This offset relationship allows a user to achieve significant beam steering in the x direction with a control electrode configuration of relatively low complexity.
[0024] Figs. 6A and 6B also illustrate a third fluid lens component 16 comprising a third lens surface 17 along an interface of first and second immiscible fluids 21, 22 contained within an additional fluid reservoir of the lens 10. The first lens surface 13 of the first lens component 12 is offset relative to the third lens surface 17 of the third lens component 16 along a direction y orthogonal to the direction x. As a result, alterations in the shape and/or orientation of the third lens surface 17 will allow a user to achieve significant beam steering in the y direction with a control electrode configuration of relatively low complexity. The resulting combination of offset lens components illustrated in Figs. 6A and 6B will collectively permit convenient beam steering throughout the X-Y plane, while preserving the above-noted ability to vary the focus of the lens 10.
[0025] Regarding the fluid reservoirs illustrated in Figs. 1-6 of the present application, it is contemplated that the lens surface interface walls 40 can be configured as respective inside circumferences of a conical or cylindrical wall. However, it is also contemplated that a variety of conventional and yet-to-be developed reservoir configurations will be suitable for use in the lens components of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiments, each fluid reservoir 20 is at least partially bound by an input window 24 and an output window 26, each of which may be positioned along the axis of optical propagation of the lens 10. The reservoir 20 is also bounded by walls 40 that interface with the lens surfaces 13, 15, 17. These walls generally extend along the axis of optical propagation and may be parallel to the axis of optical propagation or inwardly or outwardly conical, i.e., inclined relative to the axis of optical propagation. In addition, it is contemplated that the walls may comprise a relatively simple linear wall or more complex curved walls. It is further contemplated that respective portions of the walls 40 may comprise a combination of distinct wall portions of varying shape and orientation.
[0026] For example, it is noted that alternative reservoir profiles may yield a more linear response to variations in control voltage or may be more or less optimal in terms of the optical parameter to be tuned by the lens. In other circumstances, it may be preferable to achieve nonlinear or exponential responses to variations in the control voltage. Contemplated profiles include, but are not limited to, the above-described linear conical profile, hyperbolic conical profiles, parabolic conical profiles, cylindrical profiles, rectangular profiles, or other linear or non-linear profiles, including combinations thereof.
[0027] Although Figs. 1-3 illustrate a fluid reservoir having a substantially continuous volume, where the second immiscible fluid 22 mechanically couples the first immiscible fluid 21 to the third immiscible fluid 23, it is contemplated that the first immiscible fluid 21 may be mechanically coupled to the third immiscible fluid 23 via the second immiscible fluid 22 and one or more additional immiscible fluids. Further, as is illustrated in Fig. 4, a relatively rigid partition 50 can be provided in the second immiscible fluid to partition the fluids and help isolate movement of the respective fluid lens surfaces 13, 15 from each other, stabilize the structure of the lens 10, ease assembly of the lens 10, etc. The rigid partition 50 may be provided as a relatively thin layer, e.g., a membrane, or a relatively thick component, e.g., a transparent window.
[0028] Although the specific constitution of the first, second, and third immiscible fluids 21, 22, 23 is beyond the scope of the present invention, it is noted that the immiscibility of these fluids is typically attributable to the properties of the fluids themselves. Preferably, the fluids comprise transparent liquids having similar densities. Adjacent fluids within the lens typically have distinguishable refractive indices and may have different polar properties. For example, and not by way of limitation, an electrically responsive oil may be used as the first and third immiscible fluids while an aqueous-based fluid may be provided as the second immiscible fluid. U.S. Patent No. 4,477,158 and U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0152814 provide additional teachings related to the use of immiscible fluids in lenses. It is also contemplated that the immiscibility of the fluids may be enhanced by, or may be solely the result of, a flexible membrane positioned between the fluids. Further, it is noted that immiscible fluids according to the present invention need not be immiscible with respect to all fluids within the lens 10. Rather, the fluid need only be immiscible with respect to an adjacent fluid.
[0029] The lens surface 13 illustrated in Figs. 1-4 may be said to be convex, taken from the perspective of the first immiscible fluid 21. Similarly, the lens surface 15 illustrated in Figs. 1 -4 may be said to be convex, taken from the perspective of the third immiscible fluid 23. In contrast, the lens surfaces 13, 15 illustrated in Fig. 5 may be said to be concave. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention contemplate convex or concave lens surfaces. Further, although not illustrated, embodiments of the present invention are contemplated where one of the lens surface 13, 15 is concave, while the other is convex. The properties of the immiscible fluids 21, 22, 23, the properties of the associated lens surface interface walls 40, and the nature of the electric potential generated at the control electrodes 30, 32, 34, will cooperate to determine the particular lens surface shape embodied in the present invention.
[0030] Although the lens surfaces illustrated in Figs. 1-5 have substantially uniform, circumferential surfaces when viewed in a cross-sectional plane cutting through and parallel to the axis of optical propagation of the lens 10, it is noted that in practice the lens surfaces will often vary from the uniform circular arcs illustrated. For example, the convex lens surfaces may more closely approximate an elliptical or other non-circular arc and may include flat or nearly flat surface portions in their respective cross sections. Further, it is contemplated that the lens fluids may form a flat or nearly flat lens surface.
[0031] The concepts of the present invention have been illustrated above with reference to the use of electrically responsive lens fluids and respective control electrodes. However, it is also contemplated that the first and second lens fluids may comprise a hydraulically responsive, pressure sensitive lens fluid where the curvature of the convex lens surfaces can be controlled by controlling the supply of fluid to the respective fluid reservoirs. The first and second fluid supplies can be distinct fluid supplies or a common fluid supply. The use of pressure sensitive lens fluids within liquid lenses is taught with more particularity in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,438,486 and 6,188,526. Only those portions of these patents necessary to support an understanding of the nature in which pressure sensitive fluid lenses can be constructed are incorporated herein by reference.
[0032] Where a fluid lens according to the present invention is configured to direct light propagating in an optical system, it is contemplated that the lens may further comprise collimating optics configured such that light directed from an input optical device, e.g., a laser chip, to an output optical device, e.g., a SHG crystal, is substantially collimated. Further, collimating optics can be introduced to alleviate optical power demands that would otherwise fall on the tunable lens. Specifically, the collimating optics can be configured to function primarily as the first order optical components of the system while the tunable lens can be designed to function primarily as a second order correction system.
[0033] It is contemplated that tunable fluid lenses according to the present invention will have particular utility in small and large scale opto-mechanical packages because it is typically difficult to ensure proper mechanical alignment of the optical components in such packages. For example, in the context of a semiconductor laser comprising a laser chip and a second-harmonic- generation (SHG) waveguide crystal light wavelength conversion device, the present inventor has recognized that it is often necessary to align optical components with sub-micron tolerances. By way of illustration, and not limitation, it is noted that additional opto-mechanical packages contemplated by the present invention include second harmonic generation laser packages, pump laser packages, and other optical packages where a single or multimode optical signal is transmitted between optical waveguides, optical fibers, optical crystals, or various combinations of active or passive optical components.
[0034] For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it is noted that the term "substantially" is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The term "substantially" is also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. The term "substantially" is further utilized herein to represent a minimum degree to which a quantitative representation must vary from a stated reference to yield the recited functionality of the subject matter at issue.
[0035] Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present invention may be identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present invention is not necessarily limited to these aspects of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A fluid lens comprising first and second fluid lens components, wherein: said first fluid lens component comprises a first lens surface formed along an interface of first and second fluids contained within a fluid reservoir of said lens; said first and second fluids are immiscible with respect to each other; said second fluid lens component comprises a second lens surface formed along an interface of second and third fluids contained within said fluid reservoir; said second and third fluids are immiscible with respect to each other; said first fluid is mechanically coupled to said third fluid via said second fluid; an index of refraction of said second fluid is substantially different than an index of refraction of said first and third fluids; said fluid lens is configured such that an optical signal may propagate from an input side of said lens to an output side of said lens along an axis of optical propagation extending through said first and second lens surfaces of said first and second lens components; and said fluid lens is configured to permit alteration of at least one of said first and second lens surfaces.
2. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second lens surfaces are offset relative to each other along a direction JC orthogonal to said axis of optical propagation z.
3. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said fluid lens further comprises a third fluid lens component comprising a third lens surface along an interface of first and second fluids contained within an additional fluid reservoir of said lens; said first and second fluids of said third fluid lens component are immiscible with respect to each other; said first and second lens surfaces are offset relative to each other along a direction JC orthogonal to said axis of optical propagation z; and one or both of said first and second lens surfaces is offset relative to said third lens surface along a direction^ orthogonal to said direction Λ: and said axis of optical propagation z.
4. An optical system comprising the fluid lens of claim 1, wherein said fluid lens is configured to direct light propagating in said optical system by creating a global beam steering effect in said propagating light, varying the focal length of the fluid lens, or both.
5. An optical system as claimed in claim 4 wherein: said optical system comprises a semiconductor laser comprising a laser chip, a light wavelength conversion device, and said fluid lens; and said fluid lens is configured to direct light propagating from an output of said laser chip to an input of said light wavelength conversion device by creating a global beam steering effect in said propagating light, varying the focal length of the fluid lens, or both.
6. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lens comprises control electrodes configured to generate at least one electric field capable of altering the shape, orientation, or shape and orientation of at least one of said lens surfaces.
7. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lens comprises control electrodes configured to generate at least two distinct electric fields capable of altering independently the first and second lens surfaces.
8. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lens comprises control electrodes configured to generate at least two distinct electric fields capable of creating a global beam steering effect by altering independently said first and second lens surfaces.
9. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said lens comprises control electrodes configured to generate at least two distinct electric fields capable of varying the focal length of said lens by altering independently said first and second lens surfaces.
10. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said lens comprises a first set of control electrodes configured to generate independently at least two distinct electric fields, each capable of altering at least one aspect of said first lens surface; and said lens comprises a second set of control electrodes configured to generate independently at least two additional distinct electric fields, each capable of altering at least one aspect of said second lens surface.
11. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fluid reservoir defines a substantially continuous volume.
12. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first fluid is mechanically coupled to said third fluid by said second fluid.
13. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first fluid is mechanically coupled to said third fluid via said second fluid and one or more additional fluids.
14. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first fluid is mechanically coupled to said third fluid via said second fluid and a fluid partition provided in said second fluid.
15. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein the immiscibility of the first, second, and third fluids is attributable to properties of the fluids, properties of a membrane provided between the fluids, or a combination thereof.
16. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 1 wherein the index of refraction of said second fluid is substantially different that the respective indices of refraction of said first and third fluids.
17. A fluid lens comprising first and second fluid lens components, wherein: said first fluid lens component comprises a first lens surface along an interface of immiscible fluids contained by a first fluid reservoir of said first lens component; said second fluid lens component comprises a second lens surface along an interface of immiscible fluids contained by a second fluid reservoir of said second lens component; said first fluid reservoir of said first fluid lens is coupled to said second fluid reservoir of said second fluid lens via a fluid partition; respective indices of refraction of said immiscible fluids contained by said first lens component are substantially different; respective indices of refraction of said immiscible fluids contained by said second lens component are substantially different; said fluid lens is configured such that an optical signal may propagate from an input side of said lens to an output side of said lens along an axis of optical propagation extending through said first and second lens surfaces of said first and second lens components; said first lens surface of said first fluid reservoir and said second lens surface of said second fluid reservoir are offset relative to each other along a direction Λ: orthogonal to said axis of optical propagation z\ and said fluid lens is configured to permit alteration of at least one of said first and second lens surfaces.
18. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 17 wherein said fluid partition comprises a single optical interface at an output of said first fluid lens component and an input of said second fluid lens component.
19. A fluid lens as claimed in claim 17 wherein said fluid partition comprises a dual optical interface comprising an output window of said first fluid lens component and an input window of said second fluid lens component.
20. A method of tuning a fluid lens, wherein: said fluid lens comprises first and second fluid lens components; said first fluid lens component comprises a first lens surface formed along an interface of first and second fluids contained within a fluid reservoir of said lens; said first and second fluids are immiscible with respect to each other; said second fluid lens component comprises a second lens surface formed along an interface of second and third fluids contained within said fluid reservoir; said second and third fluids are immiscible with respect to each other; said first fluid is mechanically coupled to said third fluid via said second fluid; an index of refraction of said second fluid is substantially different than an index of refraction of said first and third fluids; said fluid lens is configured such that an optical signal may propagate from an input side of said lens to an output side of said lens along an axis of optical propagation extending through said first and second lens surfaces of said first and second lens components; and either the focus, the propagating direction, or both the focus and the propagating direction of an optical signal output from said lens are tuned by altering the first lens surface, the second lens surface, or both the first and second lens surfaces.
PCT/US2007/023345 2006-11-07 2007-11-06 Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same WO2008057525A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2009536271A JP2010509640A (en) 2006-11-07 2007-11-06 Compound liquid lens and optical device incorporating the same
CN2007800457439A CN101558332B (en) 2006-11-07 2007-11-06 Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/593,767 2006-11-07
US11/593,767 US7324287B1 (en) 2006-11-07 2006-11-07 Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008057525A1 true WO2008057525A1 (en) 2008-05-15

Family

ID=38973933

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2007/023345 WO2008057525A1 (en) 2006-11-07 2007-11-06 Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US7324287B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2010509640A (en)
CN (1) CN101558332B (en)
TW (1) TW200844483A (en)
WO (1) WO2008057525A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (54)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2217960B1 (en) * 2007-12-04 2017-06-07 Blackeye Optics, LLC Image-stabilization system comprising two liquid lenses
CA2703246C (en) 2007-12-04 2017-07-11 Blackeye Optics, Llc Zoom lens of the telephoto type having a liquid lens in a fixed group
US7898740B2 (en) 2008-04-09 2011-03-01 Seereal Technologies S.A. Tunable optical array device comprising liquid cells
US9675443B2 (en) 2009-09-10 2017-06-13 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Energized ophthalmic lens including stacked integrated components
WO2010038162A1 (en) * 2008-09-30 2010-04-08 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. System and method for ultrasound therapy treatment
US8087778B2 (en) 2009-02-13 2012-01-03 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Variable focus liquid filled lens mechanism
US20100208194A1 (en) 2009-02-13 2010-08-19 Amitava Gupta Variable focus liquid filled lens apparatus
US8414121B2 (en) * 2009-10-13 2013-04-09 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Non-round fluid filled lens optic
US8817381B2 (en) 2009-10-13 2014-08-26 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Full field membrane design for non-round liquid lens assemblies
US8136942B2 (en) * 2009-10-14 2012-03-20 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Aspheric fluid filled lens optic
US8596781B2 (en) * 2009-10-15 2013-12-03 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Fluid filled lens reservoir system and manufacturing method of the reservoir system
US8708486B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2014-04-29 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Fluid filled lenses and mechanisms of inflation thereof
US8353593B2 (en) 2009-10-15 2013-01-15 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Hinge mechanism for a fluid filled lens assembly
TWI422882B (en) * 2009-12-08 2014-01-11 Univ Nat Chiao Tung A fluidic optical waveguide and a formation method of the same
JP5590901B2 (en) * 2010-02-03 2014-09-17 キヤノン株式会社 Refractive power variable element
US9036264B2 (en) 2010-08-12 2015-05-19 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Fluid-filled lenses and their ophthalmic applications
US20120092774A1 (en) * 2010-09-27 2012-04-19 Pugh Randall B Lens with multi-segmented linear meniscus wall
DE102010047457A1 (en) * 2010-10-06 2012-04-12 Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg Numerical method for modeling, optimization, regulation and/or approximation of e.g. optical wavefront of mirror of optical system, involves modeling physical mechanical parameter of optical component
RU2603704C2 (en) 2010-10-11 2016-11-27 Эдленс Бикен, Инк. Non powered concepts for a wire frame of fluid filled lenses
USD665009S1 (en) 2010-10-14 2012-08-07 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Spectacles frame
PL2638417T3 (en) 2010-11-10 2018-01-31 Adlens Beacon Inc Fluid-filled lenses and actuation systems thereof
US9110310B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2015-08-18 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Multiple energization elements in stacked integrated component devices
US10451897B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2019-10-22 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Components with multiple energization elements for biomedical devices
US9698129B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2017-07-04 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Stacked integrated component devices with energization
US8867141B2 (en) * 2011-03-18 2014-10-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Lens with multi-concave meniscus wall
US9889615B2 (en) 2011-03-18 2018-02-13 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Stacked integrated component media insert for an ophthalmic device
US9804418B2 (en) 2011-03-21 2017-10-31 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus for functional insert with power layer
US8857983B2 (en) 2012-01-26 2014-10-14 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Ophthalmic lens assembly having an integrated antenna structure
WO2013126042A2 (en) * 2012-02-21 2013-08-29 E-Vision Smart Optics, Inc. Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing aberrations
US9535264B2 (en) 2012-07-13 2017-01-03 Adlens Beacon, Inc. Fluid lenses, lens blanks, and methods of manufacturing the same
US20140135917A1 (en) * 2012-11-13 2014-05-15 Vision Solutions Technologies, Inc. Multi-focus intraocular prosthesis
KR101422787B1 (en) * 2013-07-11 2014-07-28 포항공과대학교 산학협력단 Electrohydrodynamic liquid lens
FR3015699B1 (en) * 2013-12-20 2016-02-05 Wavelens OPTICAL DEVICE FOR STABILIZING IMAGES
CN103792665A (en) * 2014-01-26 2014-05-14 浙江工业大学 Beam shaping device based on microfluidic optical technology
US10627651B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2020-04-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus to form biocompatible energization primary elements for biomedical devices with electroless sealing layers
US9793536B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2017-10-17 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Pellet form cathode for use in a biocompatible battery
US10381687B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2019-08-13 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods of forming biocompatible rechargable energization elements for biomedical devices
US10361405B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2019-07-23 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Biomedical energization elements with polymer electrolytes
US9383593B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2016-07-05 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods to form biocompatible energization elements for biomedical devices comprising laminates and placed separators
US10361404B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2019-07-23 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Anodes for use in biocompatible energization elements
US9715130B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2017-07-25 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus to form separators for biocompatible energization elements for biomedical devices
US9599842B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2017-03-21 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Device and methods for sealing and encapsulation for biocompatible energization elements
US9941547B2 (en) 2014-08-21 2018-04-10 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Biomedical energization elements with polymer electrolytes and cavity structures
WO2016077252A1 (en) * 2014-11-10 2016-05-19 Didomenico Leo D Wide-angle, broad-band, polarization independent beam steering and concentration of wave energy utilizing electronically controlled soft matter
DE102015119274B4 (en) * 2015-11-09 2018-07-12 Björn Habrich Method and device for determining the spatial position of an object by means of interferometric length measurement
US10345620B2 (en) 2016-02-18 2019-07-09 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Methods and apparatus to form biocompatible energization elements incorporating fuel cells for biomedical devices
US10598919B2 (en) * 2016-03-04 2020-03-24 The Regents Of The University Of Colorado Electrowetting-actuated optical shutters
US11402623B2 (en) 2017-08-02 2022-08-02 Corning Incorporated Flexible subtrate and circuit for liquid lens system
WO2019075330A1 (en) 2017-10-13 2019-04-18 Corning Incorporated Methods and apparatus for pressing glass or glass-ceramic preforms to form shaped plates, methods for manufacturing liquid lenses, and liquid lenses
US10422989B2 (en) * 2018-02-06 2019-09-24 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Optical systems including a single actuator and multiple fluid-filled optical lenses for near-eye-display devices
WO2019177220A1 (en) 2018-03-16 2019-09-19 엘지전자 주식회사 Liquid iris, optical device comprising same, and mobile terminal
WO2019246418A1 (en) * 2018-06-20 2019-12-26 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology A liquid-lens based optical steering system for free-space laser communication
US20220082898A1 (en) * 2018-12-17 2022-03-17 Lg Innotek Co., Ltd. Lens module and camera module including same
KR20200092645A (en) * 2019-01-25 2020-08-04 엘지이노텍 주식회사 Liquid lens

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997036193A1 (en) * 1996-03-26 1997-10-02 Mannesmann Ag Opto-electronic imaging system for industrial applications
WO2004038480A1 (en) * 2002-10-25 2004-05-06 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Zoom lens
WO2004051323A1 (en) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Apparatus for forming variable fluid meniscus configurations
WO2005096289A1 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-10-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Optical scanning device
DE102005005933A1 (en) * 2005-02-09 2006-08-17 Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag Variable optics

Family Cites Families (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4477158A (en) 1981-10-15 1984-10-16 Pollock Stephen C Lens system for variable refraction
US5438486A (en) 1992-07-20 1995-08-01 Mcnair; Edward P. Headlights with variably shaped optical elements
US5491583A (en) * 1994-06-17 1996-02-13 Lockheed Missiles & Space Company, Inc. Infrared lens systems
US20050002113A1 (en) 1997-10-08 2005-01-06 Varioptic Drop centering device
FR2769375B1 (en) 1997-10-08 2001-01-19 Univ Joseph Fourier VARIABLE FOCAL LENS
US6445509B1 (en) * 1999-08-16 2002-09-03 Ray Marvin Alden Variable fresnel type structures and process
JP4078575B2 (en) 1998-06-26 2008-04-23 株式会社デンソー Variable focus lens device
US6538823B2 (en) 2001-06-19 2003-03-25 Lucent Technologies Inc. Tunable liquid microlens
CN1325944C (en) * 2002-12-03 2007-07-11 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Apparatus for forming variable fluid meniscus configurations
CN1754112A (en) * 2003-02-25 2006-03-29 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Objective lens for optical disk recording/reproducing device comprising variable lens formed by the interface of two immiscible fluids
US6936809B2 (en) 2003-03-17 2005-08-30 Nokia Corporation Method and device for lateral adjustment of image
US6778328B1 (en) 2003-03-28 2004-08-17 Lucent Technologies Inc. Tunable field of view liquid microlens
FR2880135B1 (en) 2004-12-23 2007-03-16 Varioptic Sa VARIABLE FOCAL LENS WITH WIDE RANGE OF VARIATION
DE102005025806B4 (en) * 2005-06-02 2008-04-17 Bundesdruckerei Gmbh Method for access from a terminal to an electronic device
CN101317115A (en) * 2005-11-30 2008-12-03 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 Optical scanning device

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997036193A1 (en) * 1996-03-26 1997-10-02 Mannesmann Ag Opto-electronic imaging system for industrial applications
WO2004038480A1 (en) * 2002-10-25 2004-05-06 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Zoom lens
WO2004051323A1 (en) * 2002-12-03 2004-06-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Apparatus for forming variable fluid meniscus configurations
WO2005096289A1 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-10-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Optical scanning device
DE102005005933A1 (en) * 2005-02-09 2006-08-17 Carl Zeiss Meditec Ag Variable optics

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101558332A (en) 2009-10-14
TW200844483A (en) 2008-11-16
CN101558332B (en) 2011-03-09
US7324287B1 (en) 2008-01-29
JP2010509640A (en) 2010-03-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7324287B1 (en) Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same
CN106058626B (en) Tunable laser locked to whispering gallery mode resonator
Levy et al. Length reduction of tapered N x N MMI devices
US20090059973A1 (en) Wavelength tunable light source, control method and control program thereof, and optical module
WO2006087681A2 (en) Fluid optical waveguide
CN113568076B (en) Double-function superlens and optical rotation detection method
JP6003069B2 (en) Grating element and optical element
US20080273557A1 (en) Illumination system for optical modulators
Walker et al. 50GHz gallium arsenide electro-optic modulators for spaceborne telecommunications
CN102280809B (en) Outer cavity type electrooptically tuned laser device
WO1995024618A3 (en) Device for raising the frequency of electromagnetic radiation
US20080063022A1 (en) Semiconductor laser and tunable fluid lenses
US20110141393A1 (en) Optical devices
CA2126882C (en) Tunable optical arrangement
US11658450B2 (en) Wavelength flexibility through variable-period poling of a compact cylindrical optical fiber assembly
JP6550683B2 (en) Wavelength swept light source
Kawakami et al. Continuum analog of coupled multiple waveguides
US20140177996A1 (en) Waveguide lens including planar waveguide and media grating
JP4748511B2 (en) Optical device
Slivken et al. New design strategies for multifunctional and inexpensive quantum cascade lasers
US7643712B2 (en) Optical module and optical switching device
Kotb et al. Nonlinear electro-optic tuning of plasmonic nano-filter
Minkov et al. Lossless Zero-Index Guided Modes via Bound States in the Continuum
Zhang et al. A hybrid solid-state beam scanner for LiDAR applications
JP2951405B2 (en) Asymmetric lens

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200780045743.9

Country of ref document: CN

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07839959

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2009536271

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07839959

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1