We propose a monolithic focus-tunable lens structure based on the dielectric-elastomer actuator (DEA) technology. In our focus-tunable lens, a soft lens and radial in-plane actuator mimicking the ocular focal-tuning mechanism are constructed in a single body of an optimized dielectric-elastomer film. We provide device fabrication methods including elastomer synthesis, structure formation, and packaging process steps. Performance test measurements show 93% focal tunability and 7 ms response time under static and dynamic electrical driving conditions, respectively. These performance characteristics are substantially enhanced from the previous polylithic DEA tunable lens by a factor 1.4 for the focal tunability and a factor 9.4 for the dynamic tuning-speed limit. Therefore, we obtain greatly enhanced focal tuning control in a remarkably simple and compact device structure.

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) has been extensively used as an electroactive polymer material because it exhibits not only excellent moldability but also mechanical properties sufficient enough for electroactive performance despite low dielectric permittivity. Its low dielectric property is due to its molecular non-polarity. Here, we introduce a polar group into a PDMS elastomer by using vinyl acetate (VAc) as a crosslinker to improve the dielectric permittivity. We synthesized a high-molecular weight PDMS copolymer containing vinyl groups, namely poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-methylvinylsiloxane) (VPDMS), and prepared several of the VPDMS solutions in VAc. We obtained transparent PDMS films by UV curing of the solution layers. Electromechanical actuation-related physical properties of one of the UV-cured films were almost equivalent to or superior to those of platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation-cured PDMS films. In addition, saponification of the UV-cured film significantly improved the electrical and mechanical properties (ɛ′ ~ 44.1 pF/m at 10 kHz, E ~ 350 kPa, ɛ ~ 320%). The chemical introduction of VAc into PDMS main chains followed by saponification would offer an efficacious method of enhancing the electroactive properties of PDMS elastomers.

Stress-whitening is generally regarded as a sign of irreversible elasticity failure of polymer materials. Here, we report for the first time that in stark contrast to the conventional insight, the...

Front Cover: In article 2200509, Seung Koo Park, Hyung Cheol Shin, and co‐workers establish a photocrosslinkable, solvent‐free, homogenous poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) solution in tert‐butyl acrylate by calculating 3D distances of solubility parameter (Δδ¯$\overline {\Delta \delta}$) between PDMS and several liquid monomers. PDMS solid materials can be repeatably, continuously obtainable upon UV‐irradiation of the solution. The replicas made of PDMS could be mass‐produced even with a 3D inkjet printer in various applications.