Multi-fluid lenses and optical devices incorporating the same
US7324287B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 7, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/005
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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 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 the immiscible fluids of the lens. Respective tunable lens surfaces are formed along the interfaces between the immiscible fluids and an external signal is capable of changing the shape of those surfaces. Because the two lens components forming the lens surfaces are laterally offset, the focal length and beam steering of the lens can be tuned by varying the shape of the surfaces. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.