Slim liquid lens
US7460308B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 8, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/005
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A depth of a hole for housing a liquid is minimized to obtain a slim liquid lens. In the liquid lens, a chamber has a hole formed therein. Insulating and electrolytic non-miscible fluids are housed in the hole, with the insulating fluid located at a bottom side, to form a spherical interface. The insulating and electrolytic fluids have different refractivities. The hole has a height greater than or equal to a bigger one of a height of an initial interface before electrowetting occurs and a height of a final interface when electrowetting has occurred to a maximum amount. The liquid lens has a hole perforated to a minimal depth considering a shape of the liquid interface which is governed by a contact angle and an inclination angle of the hole, thereby achieving slimness and compactness and enhancing operability of the lens.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.