Numerical analysis of wavefront aberration correction using multielectrode electrowetting-based devices

Abstract

We present numerical simulations of multielectrode electrowetting devices used in a novel optical design to correct wavefront aberration. Our optical system consists of two multielectrode devices, preceded by a single fixed lens. The multielectrode elements function as adaptive optical devices that can be used to correct aberrations inherent in many imaging setups, biological samples, and the atmosphere. We are able to accurately simulate the liquid-liquid interface shape using computational fluid dynamics. Ray tracing analysis of these surfaces shows clear evidence of aberration correction. To demonstrate the strength of our design, we studied three different input aberrations mixtures that include astigmatism, coma, trefoil, and additional higher order aberration terms, with amplitudes as large as one wave at 633 nm.

Corneal aberrations after small-incision lenticule extraction versus Q value-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

“…The human eye is not a perfect refractive system; therefore, differences between actual and ideal wavefronts will appear. This difference is called the wavefront aberration [24] and is an important index used to evaluate irregular corneal morphology and visual quality. [25] There are two main sources of wavefront aberrations in human eyes: the cornea and the lens.…”

Corneal aberrations after small-incision lenticule extraction versus Q-value-guided laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis

“…The human eye is not a perfect refractive system; therefore, differences between actual and ideal wavefronts will appear. This difference, which is called wavefront aberration [11], is an important index that is used to evaluate irregular corneal morphology and visual quality [12]. There are two main sources of wavefront aberrations in human eyes: 1.)…”

Electrowetting lens with large aperture and focal length tunability

“…Electrowetting lenses are widely applied in imaging 3D biological activities 1 – 3 , beam shaping 4 , correcting wavefront aberration 5 , display 6 , and drug delivery 7 . One of their significant characteristics is focal length tunability, which results from the liquid–liquid interface generated by an additional electric field 8 .…”

“…Lee et al designed and implemented a micro-electro-mechanical system-based tunable liquid micro-lens with an aperture of 30 mm, which exhibited a tuning range of back focal length between 2.3 mm and infinity 10 . Zohrabi et al presented numerical simulations of multielectrode electrowetting devices used in a novel optical design for obtaining correct wavefront aberration 11 . Kim et al designed an electrowetting lenticular lens with high diopter, using a lens-shaped ETPTA(trimethylopropane ethoxylate triacrylate) chamber 12 .…”