Vari-focal liquid microlens array using an electrically responsive fluid actuated by a ring array patterned electrode

Abstract

A transparent fluid dibutyl adipate (DBA) is suitable for fabricating the adaptive lens due to its unique deformation under a direct current (DC) electric field. In this report, a DBA liquid microlens array (LMA) with a tunable focal length is demonstrated. A hydrophobic layer deposited in the ring array patterns on the electrode induced the formation of the DBA liquid microdroplets array self-assembly. The electronegative DBA liquid tends to move to the anode at a DC voltage. The proposed DBA LMA with a diameter of 100 µm can change its focal length from 0.92 to 1.42 mm when the voltage changes from 0 to 200 V. The response time is relatively fast ( ∼ 790 m s ). Due to the high optical transmittance ( ∼ 91 % ) and good thermal stability in the temperature range of − 24.8 − 161.5 ∘ C, our DBA LMA shows good focusing properties and has potential applications in the field of image processing, portable electronic devices, beam steering, ophthalmology, and 3D displays.

An adaptive lens with large focusing dynamic range based on PDMS gel

“…These lenses are easy to manufacture and have good optical performance, but they require high voltage to get a large shape change, the high voltage can cause thermal effects which result in the dielectric layer breakdown or the liquids to be charged. Also, it is difficult to fabricate a large aperture lens [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] . 2) liquid-filled lens based on pumping method and deforming the flexible membranes encapsulating a liquid.…”