Wide-angle variable focal length lens system
AssigneeLouisiana Tech University Research Foundation; a division of Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc.
InventorsJi Fang, Jackie Chen, Weisong Wang, Kody Varahramyan, R. Alfred Gunasekaran, Mangilal Agarwal
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Abstract
A variable focal length microlens system having a base section with a fluid chamber and a fluid pressurization mechanism. A flexible, substantially transparent polymer lens section is fixed above the fluid chamber and the lens section has a curvature providing an initial focal point when in an unstrained state. The fluid chamber is substantially sealed and the fluid pressurization mechanism includes a flexible wall in the base section. The flexible wall may be displaced by magnetic activation, PZT activation of another activating mechanism.
Claims21
A variable focal length microlens apparatus comprising:
- a. a base section having a fluid chamber and a fluid pressurization mechanism;
- and
- b. a flexible, substantially transparent polymer lens section fixed above said fluid chamber, said lens section having a curvature providing an initial focal point when in an unstrained state;
- and
- c. wherein said apparatus has a focal length range which can vary between about 1.5 mm and about 16 mm.
A variable focal length microlens apparatus comprising:
- a. a base section having a fluid chamber and a fluid pressurization mechanism;
- b. a flexible, substantially transparent polymer lens section fixed above said fluid chamber said lens section having a curvature providing an initial focal point when in an unstrained state;
- c. wherein said fluid chamber is substantially sealed and said fluid pressurization mechanism comprises a thermo-expansive liquid and a heating element positioned in contact with said thermo-expansive liquid;
- and
- d. wherein a temperature sensor is positioned in contact with said liquid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.