Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes a first light-pervious plate, second light-pervious plate opposite to the first light-pervious plate, a first electrode layer on the first light-pervious plate, a second electrode layer on the second light-pervious layer, a liquid crystal layer and a driving voltage unit. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of concentric, annular electrodes and is comprised of carbon nanotubes. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first and second light-pervious plates. The liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of annular regions spatially corresponding to the respective annular electrodes. A density of liquid crystal in the annular regions of the liquid crystal layer is different from each other. The driving voltage unit is configured for providing voltages between each of the annular electrodes and the second electrode layer for creating a gradient distribution of refractive index of the liquid crystal layer in radial directions.

Abstract: An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, which can achieve not only a gentle parabolic lens plane when being realized via alignment of liquid crystals based on a changed electrode configuration, but also a reduced cell gap of a liquid crystal layer and a stable profile even in a large-area display device, and a stereoscopic display device using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A variable optical device for controlling the propagation of light has a liquid crystal layer (1), electrodes (4) arranged to generate an electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer, and an electric field modulation layer (3,71) arranged between the electrodes and adjacent the liquid crystal layer for spatially modulating said electric field in a manner to control the propagation of light passing through said optical device. The electric field modulation layer has either an optical index of refraction that is essentially spatially uniform, or a polar liquid or gel, or a very high low frequency dielectric constant material having a dielectric constant greater than 20, and preferably greater than 1000.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display device using an electrically-driven liquid crystal lens is disclosed. The stereoscopic display device includes a display panel, a light source to emit light, and an electrically-driven liquid crystal lens provided between the display panel and the light source and having a reflective electrode to intercept a part of the light emitted from the light source, the electrically-driven liquid crystal lens enabling a wide viewing angle or narrow viewing angle display according to whether or not voltages are applied thereto.

Abstract: An autofocus system is provided for image capture that includes a liquid crystal focus lens which includes a dual range liquid crystal lens with a thinner liquid crystal lens (385) and a thicker liquid crystal lens (365) separated by a single shared electrode (370). Wherein the thinner liquid crystal lens (385) has a smaller optical power and a faster response time and the thicker liquid crystal lens (365) has a larger optical power and a slower response time. The autofocus system has a focusing effect that is produced by the combined optical power of the thinner liquid crystal lens and the thicker liquid crystal lens. A method for focusing an image capture device and an image capture device are also described.

Abstract: A first electrode of a liquid crystal cell (21) is composed of a plurality of concentric electrodes (31 to 34) of a concentrically circular shape, the plurality of concentric electrodes are divided into a first group of concentric electrodes (44) near the center and a second group of concentric electrodes (45) near the periphery, and a concentric electrode between the two groups is an independent single electrode (36). A first correction unit that corrects spherical aberration of a high density DVD is composed of the two groups and a second correction unit that corrects aberration of a conventional DVD is composed of the first group of concentric electrodes (44). In the case of correcting the aberration of the conventional DVD, the independent concentric electrode (36) is supplied with a voltage between the voltages respectively supplied to adjacent concentric electrodes (35), (37).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel; a backlight unit supplying light onto the liquid crystal panel; and a light focusing unit between the backlight unit and the liquid crystal panel, the light focusing unit for focusing the light supplied from the backlight unit into a first region of the liquid crystal panel by increasing a phase delay of the light supplied from the backlight unit within a portion of the light focusing unit.

Abstract: An integral imaging system may include a lens unit. The lens unit may include a first substrate; a second substrate; a first electrode on the first substrate; a second electrode on the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; and an array of nanostructures protruding from the first substrate into the liquid crystal layer. The first and second electrodes may be configured to apply one or more voltages to the array of nanostructures. When the one or more voltages are applied to the array of nanostructures, one or more electric fields may be formed between the array of nanostructures and the second electrode, varying an arrangement of molecules in the liquid crystal layer and forming a refractive index distribution in the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A lens array device and an image display device using the lens array device, which allow a lens effect characteristic different from that of a single variable lens array to be easily obtained, are provided. The lens array device includes a variable lens array and a fixed lens array. The variable lens array includes a plurality of variable lenses each having electrically-adjustable refracting power. The fixed lens array includes a plurality of fixed lenses each provided in correspondence to each of the plurality of variable lenses. Each of the fixed lenses has a refracting power which, once a corresponding variable lens has come to have a first refracting power, allows the first refracting power to be cancelled out.

Abstract: The lens array device includes: first and second substrates; a first electrode group formed on the first substrate to include transparent electrodes extending in a first direction; a second electrode group formed on the second substrate to include transparent electrodes extending in a second direction; and a liquid crystal layer with refractive index anisotropy arranged between the first and second substrates to produce a lens effect by changing the liquid crystal molecule alignment. The liquid crystal layer electrically changes into one of three states according to voltages applied to the first and second electrode groups. The three states include a state with no lens effect, a first lens state where a lens effect of a first cylindrical lens extending in the first direction is produced, and a second lens state where a lens effect of a second cylindrical lens extending in the second direction is produced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cholesteric liquid crystalline material which may be usable in an electro-active element for providing fail safe operation, polarization insensitivity, low electrical power consumption requirements, and a small number of electrical connections. The cholesteric liquid crystalline material may be usable in an electro-active element for providing a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency above 90% in an activated state of the electro-active element and a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency below 10% in a deactivated state of the electro-active element.

Abstract: An electrically controlled liquid crystal zoom lens system for a camera or the like is set to a desired zoom by an operator. The desired zoom signal is provided to an image signal processor which also receives the output of an image sensor at the output of the lens. The process generates a control signal for a power supply which adjusts the voltage between electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal module. By rapid, iterative adjustment the actual zoom is brought to the desired zoom level. The liquid crystal module is combined in series with conventional lenses which may be integrated with the liquid crystal.

Abstract: The present application relates to a liquid crystal lens element and an optical head device, in particular order, to a liquid crystal lens capable of switching the focal length among a plurality of different focal lengths according to switching of applied voltage among a plurality of applied voltages, and an optical head device employing the liquid crystal lens, for writing and/or reading an information to/from an optical recording medium.

Abstract: A liquid crystal diffraction lens element and an optical head device, which can switch focal lengths of both of outgoing light and returning light by a single element, are provided. The liquid crystal lens element comprises transparent substrates 1a, 1b, a liquid crystal 4 sandwiched between the transparent substrates 1a, 1b, transparent electrodes 2a, 2b, birefringent Fresnel lens members 3a, 3b each having a Fresnel lens shape and made of a birefringent material, and a seal 5, wherein the extraordinary refractive index direction A of the birefringent Fresnel lens member 3a and the extraordinary refractive index direction B of the birefringent Fresnel lens member 3b are perpendicular to each other, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal 4 at the interface between the liquid crystal 4 and the transparent substrate 1a is perpendicular to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal 4 at the interface between the liquid crystal 4 and the transparent substrate 1b.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens element having a lens function capable of stably correcting spherical aberration containing a power component corresponding to focus change of incident light according to the magnitude of applied voltage. The liquid crystal lens element comprises a pair of transparent substrates 11 and 12, one (12) of the transparent electrodes is provided with a transparent electrode 15 and a Fresnel lens surface 17, and the other one (11) of the pair of transparent electrodes is provided with a phase correction surface 18 and a transparent electrode 16. Thus, by disposing a Fresnel lens surface 17 and a liquid crystal layer 13 between a pair of transparent electrodes 15 and 16, it becomes possible to change substantial refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 13 according to the magnitude of applied voltage, and to add a positive or negative power to a wavefront transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 13, the Fresnel lens surface 17 and the phase correction surface 18.

Abstract: In a stereoscopic image conversion panel for enhancing display quality and a stereoscopic image display apparatus having the panel, the stereoscopic display panel includes lower and upper transparent substrates, lower and upper transparent electrodes, and a liquid crystal lens layer. The lower and upper transparent substrates face each other. The lower transparent electrodes are disposed on the lower transparent substrate, formed along a first direction, and formed substantially in parallel with each other along a second direction. The upper transparent electrodes are disposed on the upper transparent substrate, formed along the second direction, and formed substantially in parallel with each other along the first direction. The liquid crystal lens layer is disposed between the upper and lower transparent substrates, and a longitudinal arrangement direction of liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal lens layer is changed by an electric field to have a predetermined refractive index.

Abstract: An autofocus system is provided for image capture that includes a liquid crystal focus lens which includes a dual range liquid crystal lens with a thinner liquid crystal lens (385) and a thicker liquid crystal lens (365) separated by a single shared electrode (370). Wherein the thinner liquid crystal lens (385) has a smaller optical power and a faster response time and the thicker liquid crystal lens (365) has a larger optical power and a slower response time. The autofocus system has a focusing effect that is produced by the combined optical power of the thinner liquid crystal lens and the thicker liquid crystal lens. A method for focusing an image capture device and an image capture device are also described.

Abstract: A double-layer liquid crystal lens comprises a first transparent substrate, a second transparent substrate, a third transparent substrate, a first liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and the second transparent substrates, and a second liquid crystal layer interposed between the second and the third transparent substrates. The upper side of the first transparent substrate is provided with a transparent ITO electrode and an alignment film disposed on the transparent electrode. Each of the upper and the lower sides of the second transparent substrate is provided with a alignment film. The upper side of the third transparent substrate is provided with an apertured electrode while the lower side thereof is provided with an alignment film. The first and the third transparent substrates are made of glass while the second transparent substrate is made of plastic material.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens with variable focus formed by a single layer or multiple layers of liquid crystal lens unit is revealed. The liquid crystal lens unit includes two glass substrates with preset thickness and arranged in parallel so as to form a middle space for accommodation of liquid crystal layer. By etching, an aluminum membrane, silver membrane or other transparent metal membranes to form surface electrode patterns that can be controlled independently. The arrangement and the refractive index of each liquid crystal layer can be tuned by adjustment of the applied voltage so as to improve image quality, increase focus switch speed, improve easiness of assembling, reduce whole thickness of the lens, and the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A variable focus liquid crystal lens includes a nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture having a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure, and an electrode for applying a substantially uniform voltage to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture. The lens is created within a cell by applying a substantially uniform electric field to the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture within the cell, while simultaneously irradiating the nematic liquid crystal/monomer mixture using a laser beam having a shaped intensity distribution, so as to induce formation of a spatially inhomogenous polymer network structure within the cell.

Abstract: An optical film capable of improving luminance of a display unit, in which a viewing angle in the horizontal direction of emitted light of the display unit is wider than a viewing angle in the vertical direction and the emitted light of the display unit has a polarization component in the vertical direction viewable by polarized sunglasses, an illumination system including the same, and a display unit including the same are provided. The optical film includes a plurality of three-dimensional structures extending in one direction and arranged sequentially in a direction crossing the one direction. The three-dimensional structures contain a liquid crystalline polymer having orientation, and have refractive index anisotropy in which refractive index in the extending direction of the three-dimensional structures is smaller than refractive index in the direction crossing the extending direction of the three-dimensional structures.

Abstract: An electromagnetic source has an electrode structure coupled to a substrate. The electrode structure has interspaced electrodes, at least one of which is spiral-shaped. At least one electrical contact interconnects the electrodes of the electrode structure. The electrode structure is responsive to an applied electrical current to generate a spatially non-uniform magnetic field. This field can act on a LC layer such that optical properties of the layer are controllable.

Abstract: An electro-active lens has a first substrate with a surface relief diffractive topological profile and a second substrate positioned opposite to the first substrate having a substantially smooth topological profile. A first electrode is positioned along the surface relief diffractive topological profile of the first substrate and a second electrode is positioned between the first electrode and the second substrate. The smallest distance between the electrodes is less than or equal to about 1 micron An electro-active material is positioned between the first and second electrodes and a first insulating layer is positioned between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A tunable-focusing liquid crystal lens (TLCL) cell has a liquid crystal layer arranged within a cell gap defined between substrates, a layer of optically transparent material arranged between the first substrate and the LC layer, and a liquid crystal alignment layer arranged between the optically transparent layer and the LC layer. The alignment layer is provided on a third optically transparent substrate having a non-planar shape for giving a non-planar profile to the LC layer, which substrate is obtained from a flexible sheet initially provided with the alignment layer and then formed into the non-planar shape. The lens further has a first optically transparent electrode provided on the second substrate, a second optically transparent electrode provided on either or both of first and third substrates. The electrodes are arranged to generate an electric field acting on the LC layer to change the focal distance of the LC cell.

Abstract: An electronic aperture comprises first and second polarizers and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second polarizers. The liquid crystal layer comprises a plurality of liquid crystals having an angular orientation that varies as a function of position. In one exemplary embodiment, the angular orientation of the liquid crystals varies as a function of distance from an optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of a liquid crystal optical element that is inexpensive, has an ideal refractive index profile, and functions as a high-performance gradient-index lens.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes a first light-pervious plate, second light-pervious plate opposite to the first light-pervious plate, a first electrode layer on the first light-pervious plate, a second electrode layer on the second light-pervious layer, a liquid crystal layer and a driving voltage unit. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of concentric, annular electrodes and is comprised of carbon nanotubes. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first and second light-pervious plates. The liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of annular regions spatially corresponding to the respective annular electrodes. A density of liquid crystal in the annular regions of the liquid crystal layer is different from each other. The driving voltage unit is configured for providing voltages between each of the annular electrodes and the second electrode layer for creating a gradient distribution of refractive index of the liquid crystal layer in radial directions.

Abstract: A lens module includes a lens barrel, at least one fixed focus lens fixed in the lens barrel, and at least two variable focus lenses fixed in the lens barrel. Each variable focus lens includes two electrodes and an electro-optical material between the electrodes. Each electrode is electrically connected to a voltage supply so as to be able to selectively apply a voltage to the electro-optical material and to thus selectively control the refractive index of that material. By changing the refractive index, a concordant change in the focus of a given variable focus lens is possible, without modifying the position and/or shape thereof.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes a first light-pervious plate, a second light-pervious plate opposite to the first light-pervious plate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first light-pervious plate and the second light-pervious plate, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a driving voltage chip. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of concentric, annular electrodes arranged on a surface of the first light-pervious plate. A material of the first electrode layer is carbon nanotube. The second electrode layer is arranged on a surface of the second light-pervious plate. The driving voltage chip is configured for providing voltages between each of the annular electrodes and the second electrode layer in radial gradient distribution. A lens module is also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: A lens unit fixed inside a lens barrel frame of a lens unit and is provided with a liquid crystal lens including a liquid crystal optical element constituted of a plurality of transparent electrode plates which are held in a liquid crystal lens holder, an imaging element arranged on the image side of the liquid crystal lens, a board, an imaging element support plate, and a two-dimensional drive mechanism, and the liquid crystal lens holder includes first and second retention members. The first retention member includes a first positioning section for performing positioning in an X-Y plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the liquid crystal lens, and a second positioning section for specifying an optical axis direction. The second retention member includes a connection section covering the liquid crystal lens and connecting with the second positioning section.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens cell comprises a pair of flat layers with the liquid crystal lens supported between the layers. One of the layers supports a planar electrode made of ITO. The other electrode, also formed of ITO, is supported in the center of the opposing substrate and projects downwardly toward the center of the liquid crystal layer. A power supply creates a potential difference between the two electrodes and accordingly imposes a non-uniform electric field on the liquid crystal modules which aligns them in which a way as to act as a lens. By varying the voltage between the two electrodes the focal length of the lens may be controlled. A central electrode may be in the form of a beam or of a pointed tip. In other embodiments of the invention an electrode having a central hole may be associated with the central electrode or the planar electrode.

Abstract: A tunable optical imaging system uses a fixed lens and a tunable liquid crystal lens that is operated only outside of an operational range of high aberration. A voltage range applied to change the optical power of the liquid crystal lens is limited to a continuous tunable range of low aberration. The relative positioning between the lens and a corresponding photodetector, and the relative lens powers of a fixed lens and the tunable lens, may be selected to compensate for any optical power offsets resulting from the limitation of the voltage range of the tunable lens. The lens may be operated in either positive tunability or negative tunability mode.

Abstract: An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, which can be switched between a convex lens and a concave lens by changing an optical path difference based on an electric field application, and a stereoscopic display device using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens comprises a first liquid crystal lens part. The first liquid crystal part comprises first and second flat parallel substrates and a liquid crystal filled between said first and second light-transmitting regions. First and second electrodes are provided on said first and second substrates, respectively, to apply a voltage across the first liquid crystal. An electric heating element is provided on said first substrate to heat said first liquid crystal.

Abstract: Working range and beam cross-section are adjusted in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by applying voltages to electrodes in one or more liquid crystal lenses in which the index of refraction is changed.

Abstract: An optical lens module includes a support frame, a liquid crystal lens group, and a aberration compensation lens group. The aberration compensation lens compensates aberrations generated by the liquid crystal lenses. The liquid crystal lens group and the fixed aberration compensation lens group are disposed on the same optical axis. The optical lens module is power-saving, easily assembling, and has a small volume, which is helpful for miniaturizing and thinning optical lens modules, and thus further helpful for miniaturizing and thinning small-size or portable devices.

Abstract: An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, which can achieve not only a gentle parabolic lens plane when being realized via alignment of liquid crystals based on a changed electrode configuration, but also a reduced cell gap of a liquid crystal layer and a stable profile even in a large-area display device, and a stereoscopic display device using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a switchable birefringent lens array. The display apparatus produces a substantially linearly polarized output. The lens array comprises birefringent material arranged between a planar surface of a first substrate and a relief substrate of a second substrate defining an array of cylindrical lenses. The lens array has electrodes for applying a control voltage across the birefringent material for electrically switching the birefringent material between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode the lens array modifies the directional distribution of incident light polarized in a predetermined direction. In the second mode the lens array has substantially no effect on incident light polarized in said predetermined direction.

Abstract: Predetermined voltage is applied to a liquid crystal lens by a liquid crystal lens driver. Image signals are generated based on an optical image passed through the liquid crystal lens during transient response operation caused by application of the predetermined voltage, and plural focus signals are extracted by sampling the image signals of the area from which the focus signals are extracted at predetermined cycles. Levels of the extracted focus signals are compared to determine the maximum value of the focus signal. Thus, with the liquid crystal lens, by making use of the transient response operation of the liquid crystal lens, a focus point can be detected in sufficient speed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens apparatus includes a liquid crystal lens unit having first and second substrates including electrodes for applying a voltage a first liquid layer, an electric heating element including at least one high-electrical-resistance section for heating liquid crystal and at least one low-electrical-resistance section that are alternately connected to each other, and a thermo-transmission member spaced apart from the electric heating element for receiving heat from the electric heating element and transmitting the heat through the entire liquid crystal to facilitate heating of the liquid crystal layer by the electric heating element.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid lens which can prevent unstable movement of liquids while sealing a hole containing the liquids by applying voltage to a chamber containing the liquids to induce electrowetting, and a liquid lens fabricated thereby. The method includes providing a chamber with a hole formed therein for containing liquid and injecting two non-miscible liquids with different refractive indices. The method also includes placing a conductive transparent plate to be in contact with the liquid on the top and applying voltage to the conductive transparent plate and the chamber to induce electrowetting, thereby changing the shape of meniscus between the two liquids. The method further includes covering an upper surface of the chamber with the conductive transparent plate to seal the hole.

Abstract: An alignment layer may align molecules of a liquid crystalline material to a surface of a substrate having a diffractive optical power region using a nonlinear alignment. The alignment layer may align the molecules of the liquid crystalline material in one of a tangential alignment, a piecewise tangential alignment, a perpendicular alignment, a piecewise perpendicular alignment, a continuous intra-zone alignment, or a piecewise continuous intra-zone alignment. The nonlinear alignment may result in optimal or near optimal alignment of the liquid crystalline material thereby resulting in improved optics and fewer vision compromises.

Abstract: A super-twist nematic (STN) liquid crystal (LC) light shutter with improved contrast performance, lower power requirements and enhanced off-axis performance. Compensator components may be disposed in front of and, in some cases, behind the liquid crystal cell. In some embodiments, a STN LC cell with a twist angle of 270 degrees may be used. In other embodiments, a STN LC cell with a twist angle ranging between just greater than 270 degrees and 285 degrees may be used. Also disclosed is a system incorporating the various disclosed STN LC shutters.

Abstract: The liquid crystal light control element includes the first to third transparent substrates which are placed on top of the other. The second transparent substrate has the projecting part which extends in the surface direction of the second transparent substrate from the first and third transparent substrates. The projecting part has the first surface facing the first transparent electrode and the second surface facing the fourth transparent electrode. The first surface has the first to fourth terminals formed thereon which are electrically connected to the first to fourth transparent electrodes.

Abstract: An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, and a stereoscopic display device using the same, including first and second substrates arranged opposite each other and including an active region having a plurality of lens regions and a pad region defined at an outer rim of the active region, a plurality of first electrodes formed on the first substrate to correspond to the respective lens regions and spaced apart from one another, a second electrode formed on the entire surface of the second substrate, a voltage source to apply different voltages to the plurality of first electrodes, respectively, and to apply a ground voltage to the second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, which can reduce crosstalk caused at the center of an electrode, and a display device using the same are disclosed. The electrically-driven liquid crystal lens includes first and second substrates arranged opposite each other and defined, respectively, with a plurality of lens regions corresponding to each other, first electrodes formed on the first substrate between centers of the respective neighboring left and right lens regions on the first substrate, a black matrix layer formed on the first substrate to correspond to edges of the respective lens regions, the black matrix layer having a first width, second electrodes formed on the first substrate to correspond to the edges of the respective lens regions, the second electrodes having a second width smaller than the first width, a third electrode formed throughout the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system comprising a fluid chamber 1 and a birefringent part. The fluid chamber comprises first and second fluids 10, 12 having different indices of refraction, the interface between the fluids forming a meniscus 14. The birefringent part is capable of varying characteristics of a first radiation beam 3b and a second radiation beam 3c, the first and second radiation beams having different polarisations. Variation in the configuration of the meniscus causes variation in the characteristics of the first radiation beam and the second radiation beam. Variation in the configuration of the meniscus may be controlled by electrowetting.

Abstract: A composite lens assembly comprising an electro-active lens assembly, a first lens wafer, and a second lens wafer is provided. The electro-active lens assembly has an upper substrate layer with a planar upper surface and a lower substrate layer with a planar lower surface. The first lens wafer has a planar lower wafer surface adjacent and parallel to the planar upper surface of the upper substrate layer of the electro-active lens assembly. The second lens wafer has a planar upper, wafer surface adjacent and parallel to the planar lower surface of the lower substrate layer of the electro-active lens assembly.

Abstract: Provided is an electro-optic device comprising: a liquid crystal layer between a pair of opposing transparent substrates; a resistive patterned electrode set positioned between the liquid crystal layer and the inward-facing surface of the first transparent substrate; and a conductive layer between the liquid crystal layer and the inward-facing surface of the second transparent substrate, wherein the conductive layer and resistive patterned electrode set are electrically connected, and wherein said resistive patterned electrode set comprises one or more electrically-separated electrodes, wherein the desired voltage drop is applied across each electrode to provide the desired phase retardation profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to optics comprising adjustable optical elements and, if desired, lenses of fixed focal lens. By use of an appropriate controller for the adjustable optical elements, characteristics of the optics can be advantageously varied. For this purpose, systems are provided which are suitable for use as surgical stereo-microscope, objective, ocular or zoom. A zoomable imaging optics comprises lenses and of variable optical power, which are oppositely controlled by means of a controller to change an imaging ratio, so that the optical power of the one lens is increased and the optical power of the other lens is decreased. Moreover, the imaging optics may comprise still further assemblies of fixed optical power.