Adaptive thermal micro lens

US10274648B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• FUNDACIÓ INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTÒNIQUES · ES
• INSTITUCIÓ CATALANA DE RECERCA I ESTUDIS AVANCATS · ES

Inventors

• Jon Donner · Barcelona, ES
• Renaud Marty · Ramonville-Saint-Agne, FR
• Romain Quidant · Castelldefels, ES

Key dates

• Filing date: May 28, 2014
• Grant date: Apr 30, 2019
• Expiry date: May 28, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02F1/0147
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a thermally modulated optical lens apparatus that includes an electrically resistive element that has patterned features. The patterned features may be micro-sized or smaller and may create an electrical resistance density across the electrically resistive element. The electrically resistive element is capable of electrically connecting to a controllable electrical source. The apparatus also includes at least one thermo-optical material in thermal contact with the patterned features of the electrically resistive element. The at least one thermo-optical material can have an optical refractive index profile that corresponds to the electrical resistance density.