Circular geometry liquid crystal adaptive lens with Fresnel lens phase profile

Yi Sun; Stephen T. Kowel; Gregory P. Nordin

doi:10.1117/12.379972

17 March 2000 Circular geometry liquid crystal adaptive lens with Fresnel lens phase profile

Yi Sun, Stephen T. Kowel, Gregory P. Nordin

Proceedings Volume 3955, Liquid Crystal Materials, Devices, and Flat Panel Displays; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.379972
Event: Electronic Imaging, 2000, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The liquid crystal adaptive lens (LCAL) is an electro-optical device using a set of electrodes to grade the refractive index across its aperture. We report initial efforts at developing an LCAL using circular electrodes to provide a simpler architecture and faster response than previous devices based on linear electrodes. A Fresnel lens phase profile is applied to yield a lens with a useful F-number. Numerical simulation is developed to study the aberration of the LCAL and predict its performance with a circular electrode geometry. The LCAL is designed with a set of high density electrodes in the conductive ladder meshing configuration which results in a small number of externally controlled electrodes. A new feedback auto-focusing system based on LabVIEW software has been developed to optimize control output voltages using signals from a CID camera. The application of LCAL in microscope imaging systems for focus adjustment without lens motion is described. A prototype LCAL is being designed that has a 7.86 mm diameter aperture and a focal length adjustable from 0.38 m to infinity. It is fabricated on a glass substrate with two layers of transparent electrodes, insulating layers, and vias to connect the two conducting layers. The special fabrication challenges involved will be reviewed.

Citation Download Citation

Yi Sun, Stephen T. Kowel, and Gregory P. Nordin "Circular geometry liquid crystal adaptive lens with Fresnel lens phase profile", Proc. SPIE 3955, Liquid Crystal Materials, Devices, and Flat Panel Displays, (17 March 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.379972

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available