Method for controlling light beam using adaptive micro-lens
AssigneeCreo Inc.
InventorDaniel Gelbart
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Abstract
Individual elements in a micro-electromechanical array of integrated stretched membrane devices are independently addressed and controlled to produce independently controlled degrees of refraction of light beams.
Claims31
A method for varying the direction of a light beam passing through a micro-machined device, said method comprising
- a. directing said light beam through a transparent membrane separating two refractive regions of differing refractive index, said membrane being attached at its perimeter to a fixed member, and
- b. deforming said membrane in concave fashion.
A method as in any of the above claims, wherein said refraction is controlled via a feedback method.
An adaptive lens for refracting a light beam transiting through a micro-machined device, said adaptive lens comprising a transparent membrane separating two refractive regions of differing refractive index, said transparent membrane being deformable to vary by said deformation the extent of said refraction.
An adaptive lens within a micro-machined device, said adaptive lens comprising of a transparent membrane attached at its perimeter to a fixed member and
- a. said membrane separating two refractive regions of differing refractive index, and
- b. said membrane being capable of changing its curvature in response to an electrical control signal, the degree of refraction of said adaptive lens being controlled by said curvature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.