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.

Abstract: Inhomogeneous concentrated polymer network with approximately 90° twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN-LC) is used for fabricating lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the approximately 90° TN-LC polymer network concentration can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the approximately 90° TN-LC polymer network concentration can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by ultra violet (UV) light exposure to patterned photo masks. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage above the threshold voltage to the polymer network. The inhomogeneous 90° TN-LC polymer network can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for micro lens, array, optical communication, micro-optics, adaptive optics and beam steering.

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: Various devices and methods employing a resistive phase change material are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided that allows simultaneous control of macroscopic azimuthal and zenithal liquid crystal alignment (?, ?) across a liquid crystal layer by controlling the area ratios between first, second and third different types of alignment region (T1, T2, T3) in a patterned alignment layer, the three different types of alignment region (T1, T2, T3) tending to induce liquid crystal alignment in the liquid crystal layer in three different respective, non-coplanar, principal orientations (z, x, y). In the illustrated example, the first type of alignment region (T1) tends to induce substantially homeotropic alignment (in the z direction) and the second and third types of alignment region (T2, T3) tend to induce substantially planar alignment in different, orthogonal, principal orientations (in the x and y directions).

Abstract: A lens barrel and imaging device advantageous for making unnatural brightness variation in an image, due to a liquid-crystal light control element, less noticeable, while reducing the size of an optical system, are disclosed. A lens barrel comprises an optical system, a rectangular planar liquid-crystal light control element, and an imaging element. An object image captured by the optical system is guided to the imaging element through the control element comprising a liquid crystal layer sealed in between a pair of alignment layers and containing rod-shaped liquid crystal molecules. A sensor unit of the imaging element has a rectangular imaging area. Light rays guided from the optical system to the imaging element diverge away from an optical axis. An orientational direction of the control element is substantially parallel to the shorter sides of the imaging area.

Abstract: A superior reflex type vertically-aligned liquid crystal display device wherein the refractive index anisotropy ?n of its liquid crystal material is controlled to be more than 0.1, and the transmissivity of the liquid crystal is saturated with facility at a low voltage below 5 to 6V despite a reduction of the thickness of the vertically-aligned liquid crystal layer to less than 2 ?m, hence achieving satisfactory driving at a practically low voltage while attaining another advantage of remarkable improvement in the transmissivity itself. Therefore, the display device indicates a sufficient transmissivity, an excellent low-voltage driving characteristic and a fast response. Further improvements are realizable in a display apparatus, a projection optical system and a projection display system by the use of such display device.

Abstract: Using inhomogeneous sized liquid crystal (LC) droplets for lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the LC droplet size can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the LC droplet size can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by Ultra Violet light exposure to patterns. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage to the droplets. The inhomogeneous droplets can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for eyeglasses, arrays, camera type zoom lenses and beam steering applications.

Abstract: A lenticular lens includes an upper plate including an upper transparent electrode and having a plurality of lens surfaces having a curved surface shape; an upper alignment film on the lens surfaces; a lower plate having a lower transparent electrode and a lower alignment film; and a liquid crystal layer between the upper plate and the lower plate to be driven by an electric field applied by the upper transparent electrode and the lower transparent electrode.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate and separated from the first substrate by a predetermined distance; a first electrode on an inner surface of the first substrate; a second electrode on an inner surface of the second substrate, the second electrode including a first opening that has a first width; a third electrode on the second electrode, the third electrode including a second opening that has a second width; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and third electrodes.

Abstract: An external cavity laser apparatus includes a wavelength tuning element mounted to a carrier on the apparatus's platform. Thermal control of the platform sets an initial position of the carrier and tuning element, from which independent tuning of the element can be achieved for wavelength tuning. The carrier is formed of a liquid crystal polymer that thermally isolates the tuning element from this platform, for such independent thermo-optical tuning. The liquid crystal polymer may match the coefficient of thermal expansion of the carrier to that of the platform. The support further includes embedded electrodes, either within or on the outer surface of the carrier, which can couple from the tuning element to the controller, where in some examples such coupling is direct and without use of additional electrical traces or wire bonds.

Abstract: A variable aperture stop with no moving parts is disclosed. The aperture stop comprises a first region comprising a first optically transmissive medium, a second region comprising a second optically transmissive medium, and an electro-optical structure adapted to selectively switch the second region between a first state of optical transmissivity and a second state of optical transmissivity upon application of an electric potential thereto. The electro-optical structure comprises a top optically transmissive conductor, a bottom optically transmissive conductor positioned below and parallel to the top conductor so as to define a space therebetween, the space including the first region and the second region, and an electric voltage applicator coupled to the top conductor and adapted to apply an electric voltage to the top conductor that creates the electric potential between the top and bottom conductors. An apodizable, variable aperture stop with no moving parts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A digital focus lens systems that can provide an optical system with a plurality of selectable focal powers is described. The system includes a number of switchable elements, each of which is capable of being switched between a first state and a second state, whereby the states represent unique focal powers. The switchable elements may be arranged coaxially in a stack such that each of them may contribute to a cumulative focal power of the system. If, for example, the system includes two such switchable elements, four focal powers for the lens system may be selected by appropriate choice the states of each switchable element. Digital telescopes, cameras, microscopes, and other optical instruments may be implemented using such digital focus lens systems. Methods of fabricating switchable elements and methods of controlling digital lens systems are also disclosed.

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: A liquid crystal device capable of giving a phase distribution to transmitted light without the need for complicated calculations, thereby making it possible to easily perform manufacturing of liquid crystal devices and device evaluations thereof. A liquid crystal layer (120) sealed between glass substrates (100) and (110) has a given thickness distribution owing to the unevenness of a sub-substrate (111) provided inwardly of the glass substrate (110). Electrodes (130) and (140) disposed on the opposite sides of this liquid crystal layer (120) have planar shapes and are disposed in parallel. Accordingly, the distance between the two electrodes (130) and (140) is constantly uniform, and an electric field distribution applied to the liquid crystal layer (120) is uniform.

Abstract: A box-like illuminator includes a top wall having a flat sheet of clear material through which an illuminated image is viewed. A bottom wall of the illuminator is also formed of a flat sheet of clear material and is positioned atop the object to be illuminated. Light from an LED is directed in a first, downward direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a substantially horizontal plane, substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a horizontally-disposed diffuser that bends the light about ninety degrees so that it travels though the diffuser a first time in a first direction and illuminates the object atop which the illuminator is positioned. The light is then reflected by the object, travels upwardly through the diffuser a second time in a direction opposite to the first direction, and is viewed by the user through the clear material.

Abstract: A magnifier for use by people with low vision includes a large LCD display upon which an enlarged image appears. Light from an LED is directed in a first direction onto a deflection wall where it is deflected into a direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The deflected light impinges upon a diffuser that bends it so that it illuminates an object upon which the magnifier is placed. The light is then reflected by the object, through the diffuser, and onto a mirror positioned at an angle relative to the object. The mirror directs the light onto a camera lens and the lens focuses the light onto a sensor that drives the LCD display so that the image appears on the LCD screen. The camera is slideably mounted so the user can make the image larger or smaller by sliding the camera toward or away from the mirror, respectively.

Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.

Abstract: Inhomogeneous concentrated polymer network with approximately 90° twisted nematic liquid crystal (TN-LC) is used for fabricating lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the approximately 90° TN-LC polymer network concentration can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the approximately 90° TN-LC polymer network concentration can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by ultra violet (UV) light exposure to patterned photo masks. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage above the threshold voltage to the polymer network. The inhomogeneous 90° TN-LC polymer network can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for micro lens, array, optical communication, micro-optics, adaptive optics and beam steering.

Abstract: Using inhomogeneous sized liquid crystal (LC) droplets for lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the LC droplet size can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the LC droplet size can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by Ultra Violet light exposure to patterns. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage to the droplets. The inhomogeneous droplets can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for eyeglasses, arrays, camera type zoom lenses and beam steering applications.

Abstract: A transflective optical film reflects ambient light incident on the first surface and transmits light having a preferred polarization state incident on the opposite surface. The film has a substrate wherein a plurality of tapered cavities extends from a first surface of the substrate toward an opposite surface, the tapered cavities narrowing toward the opposite surface, and a filler material deposited within each the tapered cavity. A reflective layer is deposited on the filler material in each tapered cavity, along the first surface of the substrate. At least one of the substrate and the filler material is birefringent such that for a preferred polarization state, the refractive index of the filler is substantially lower than the refractive index of the substrate and that, for the polarization state orthogonal to the preferred polarization state, the refractive index of the filler is substantially the same as the refractive index of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention is a stereoscopic shutter system having a single liquid crystal (LC) cell. The system may have flexible substrates or non-flexible substrates. The system requires only two electrical conductors to shutter both eyes. The system uses twisted nematic liquid crystal, ferro-electric liquid crystal, pi-cell technology, or other similar shuttering technologies. The system includes only one LC cell, a single large laminated linearly polarizing filter P1, and two smaller linear polarizing analyzers oriented in the P1 and P2 states. The shutters may be bent into a one-dimensional curved shape about the vertical or horizontal axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide zoom lenses. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a zoom lens is provided with a tunable lens. The focal length of the zoom lens may be varied without mechanically moving or changing the separation between one or more lens components.

Abstract: An optical element which is capable of varying an optical characteristic thereof using a polymer dispersive liquid crystal and usable as a vari-focal lens element, a vari-focal diffractive optical element, a variable declination prism or the like.

Abstract: Using inhomogeneous sized liquid crystal (LC) droplets for lens and prisms. For forming a positive lens, the LC droplet size can gradually increase from the center to the side edges. For forming a negative lens, the LC droplet size can gradually decrease from the center to the side edges. The lens can be created by Ultra Violet light exposure to patterns. The lens can be tuned by applying voltage to the droplets. The inhomogeneous droplets can also be used in Fresnel lens and prisms. Applications of the invention can be used for eyeglasses, arrays, camera type zoom lenses and beam steering applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical element with variable optical properties, which ensures that the amount of light available is increased, and an optical device using the same. In a liquid crystal variable hologram element 3, polymer layers 18 and liquid crystal layers 19 are alternately arranged between transparent substrates 16 and 17, with liquid crystal particles 20 lining up in each liquid crystal layer 19. When voltages are applied on transparent electrodes 21 and 22, liquid crystal molecules 23 have their longitudinal directions oriented vertically with respect to the electrodes, so that the refractive index of the polymer layers 18 is substantially equal to that of the liquid crystal layers 19, resulting in no development of hologram. When the voltages are held off, the refractive index of the polymer layers 18 is different from that of the liquid crystal layers 19. This repetition gives rise to an interference fringe action, by which a hologram can be developed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a full color liquid crystal display of passive matrix design that includes a polarizer, an analyzer having a transmission axis, and at least one light generation stage positioned between the polarizer and analyzer for transmitting light of a desired wavelength to the analyzer. This light generation stage includes a first retarder stack that rotates desired wavelengths of light to a particular polarization state, a second retarder stack inverted and rotated by 90 degrees with respect to said first retarder stack, and a passive matrix addressed optical element positioned between the first and second retarder stacks. The retardation and orientation of each of the first retarder stack, second retarder stack, and passive matrix addressed optical element are optimized so as to provide a color generation stage that places desired wavelengths of light substantially along the transmission axis of the analyzer.

Abstract: An electro-active lens that may include first and second electro-active cells, the cells being adjacent to each other and, when in a resting state, oriented orthogonal to each other to reduce birefringence.

Abstract: A first liquid crystal lens and a second liquid crystal lens are provided on both sides of an intermediate glass plate. The first liquid crystal lens is provided for forming an inverted image of an object, and the second liquid crystal lens is provided for inverting the inverted image, thereby forming an erecting image of the object.

Abstract: A liquid crystal adaptive lens (LCAL) includes a reference plate, a liquid crystal layer disposed in electrical communication with the reference plate, and a plurality of closed-loop electrodes disposed in electrical communication with the liquid crystal layer. The closed-loop electrodes are adapted to receive a variable control voltage such that the refractive index of at least a portion of the liquid crystal layer is adjustable such that light passing through the liquid crystal layer is capable of being redirected. By including closed-loop electrodes, the liquid crystal layer of the LCAL is capable of having a radially varying refractive index.

Abstract: There is provided a pair of transparent upper and lower glass substrates which are disposed apart from each other so as to form a space there-between, a pair of electrodes provided on the underside of the upper substrate and on the upper surface of the lower substrate. A plurality of circular holes are formed in each of the electrodes. A liquid crystal is charged in the space. The liquid crystal has a lens construction formed by an electric current and hardened by irradiation of ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: A method for cutting a thin sheet of brittle material such as glass or ceramics by extending a scribe groove without deformation or impact so that some peeling or crack may be reduced has been developed and the above described method is applied to a glass display plate for a liquid crystal display apparatus. A glass sheet for a liquid crystal display apparatus with a scribe groove formed thereon is divided by cooling the scribe groove and its surroundings and heating surrounding areas on both sides of the scribe groove to extend the scribe groove to a backside of the glass sheet, resulting in uniform distribution of residual stress on a cut area.

Abstract: An electrically tunable microlens array. The array is formed by pattern photopolymerization of photoreactive mixtures comprising a polymerizable material and liquid crystals; wherein the photopolymerization is characterized by the interaction of multiple-wave mixing. The liquid crystals are contained as droplets in regions between the polymerized material.

Abstract: A glass sheet for a liquid crystal display apparatus with a scribe groove formed thereon is divided by cooling the scribe groove and its surroundings and heating surrounding areas on both sides of the scribe groove to extend the scribe groove to a backside of the glass sheet, resulting in uniform distribution of residual stress on a cutting area. Also disclosed is a method for cutting a thin sheet of brittle material such as glass or ceramics by extending a scribe groove without deformation or impact so that peeling or cracking is reduced.

Abstract: A device that provides a display indicating an absence of power to an LCD is disclosed. The device includes a continuous polarizing filter layer disposed within a display area that makes up a portion of the total display area of the LCD. A layer of liquid crystals is disposed between alignment gratings and optically coupled to the continuous polarizing filter layer. A discontinuous polarizing filter layer is optically coupled to the layer of liquid crystals. The discontinuous polarizing filter layer has a plane of polarization aligned with the plane of polarization of the continuous polarizing filter, and the discontinuous polarizing filter layer comprises a contour within the display area conforming to an image, so that the image is displayed in the absence of an electric field and indicates an absence of power.

Abstract: A tunable optical filter utilizes multiple electroholographic (EH) gratings with different center wavelengths to filter an optical signal over a wide wavelength range. The EH gratings are connected such that an input optical signal passes through at least one of the EH gratings. The EH gratings are activated and tuned by electrode pairs that are controlled through a voltage controller. The tunable optical filter is coarse tuned by activating the EH gratings having a wavelength range that includes the center wavelength that is to be filtered and fine tuned by adjusting the voltage that is applied across the activated EH gratings.

Abstract: Apparatus for displaying an image comprises a liquid crystal display 12, a lenticular lens array 14 for directing different portions of the image in different directions and mirrors 16 for reflecting at least some of the directed image, to produce an effective image 18 larger than the original image. The apparatus can be a mobile phone 10 or a visual display unit.

Abstract: A super-resolution optical panel is fabricated such that a first circular transparent electrode (13) is installed in the central region of a first substrate (11), an alignment layer is formed on the first circular transparent electrode (13), an alignment treatment is applied in the direction of the arrow A to the alignment layer, a second circular transparent electrode (16) is installed on a second substrate (12), an alignment layer is formed on the second circular transparent electrode (16), an alignment treatment is applied in a direction of an arrow B parallel with and opposite to a direction of an arrow A to the entire surface of the alignment layer, the alignment layer except a circular region at the center thereof is subsequently covered with a resist, an alignment treatment is applied in a direction of an arrow C orthogonal to the direction of the arrow B only to the circular region at the center, the resist is subsequently removed, and twisted nematic liquid crystal is filled between the first substra

Abstract: A liquid crystal adaptive lens (LCAL) includes a reference plate, a liquid crystal layer disposed in electrical communication with the reference plate, and a plurality of closed-loop electrodes disposed in electrical communication with the liquid crystal layer. The closed-loop electrodes are adapted to receive a variable control voltage such that the refractive index of at least a portion of the liquid crystal layer is adjustable such that light passing through the liquid crystal layer is capable of being redirected. By including closed-loop electrodes, the liquid crystal layer of the LCAL is capable of having a radially varying refractive index.

Abstract: An electro-optic polarizor, grating assembly or cell (10) includes a first glass plate (12) to form the foundation of the cell. A first alignment surfactant (14) is coated on one surface of the first glass plate (12). Similarly, a second alignment surfactant (24) is coated on one surface of a second glass plate (22). A transparent interdigitated electrode pattern (30) is disposed between the second glass plate (22) and the second alignment surfactant (24). A thin film of homeotropically aligned nematic liquid crystal (40) is sandwiched between the first and second alignment surfactants (14) and (24) for applying a lateral electric field caused by the control voltage or signal (50) across the liquid crystal (40) to alter the optical properties of the liquid crystal (40) such that a polarization depended grating (60) is induced by the lateral electric field (50).

Abstract: A variable focus lens comprising a chamber (12) filled with a first liquid (13), a drop of a second liquid (11) being disposed at rest on a region of a first surface of an insulating wall of the chamber, the first and second liquids being non miscible, of different optical indexes and of substantially same density. The first liquid is conductive and the second liquid is insulating. The lens further comprises means for applying a voltage between the conductor liquid and an electrode (16) placed on the second surface of said wall; and centering means for maintaining the centering of the edge of the drop while the voltage is applied and for controlling the shape thereof.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens comprises a biconcave lens and a pair of transparent flat plates arranged before and behind the lens. The biconcave lens has a pair of concave principal surfaces covered with transparent electrodes, a flat portion on its outer periphery, and an electrode extending across the flat portion and connecting the transparent electrodes. Each of the transparent flat plates has a flat principal surface covered with a transparent electrode, the surface facing the concave principal surface, a flat portion on its outer periphery, and an electrode extending across the flat portion and connected to the transparent electrode. The biconcave lens and the pair of transparent flat plates are cemented to one another in a spaced manner by sealants with their respective flat portions flush with one another. Liquid crystals are stored individually in spaces defined between the lens and the flat plates.

Abstract: The present invention is a thin film transistor array substrate includes: an insulating substrate; a first metallic pattern formed on said insulting substrate; an insulating film provided on said first metallic pattern; a semiconductor pattern provided on said insulating film; and a second metallic pattern provided on said semiconductor pattern; wherein said second metallic pattern is surrounded by said semiconductor pattern.

Abstract: A lens assembly has a pair of polarized liquid crystal lenses. Each lens has pair of parallel glass plates that are separated by upper and lower glass substrates. A series of polymer films are symmetrically spaced apart between the substrates. Both the substrates and the films are perpendicular to the glass plates. Electrodes are formed on the films and combine to form a semi-cylindrical stack of film. Liquid crystal fills the spaces between adjacent pairs of the films. The films are coated and/or treated by an alignment process to predispose the liquid crystals to a specific rotational direction. When a selected voltage is applied between adjacent ones of the electrodes, the liquid crystals are synchronously rotated to alter their refractive index to a desired value. Thus, when the layers of each lens are manipulated in unison, the focal length of the lens assembly is adjusted.

Abstract: An imaging optical system includes a liquid crystal lens including a first body formed of a substantially transparent birefringent liquid crystal member, a second body formed of a substantially transparent birefringent liquid crystal member, and two pairs of electrodes for adding an electric field or a magnetic field onto the first body and the second body. A rear face of the first body is aligned perpendicular to a front face of the second body, the first body and the second body have substantially symmetrical shape against a plane perpendicular to an optical axis and a plurality of optical elements are arranged front and after the liquid crystal lens. The liquid crystal lens has two distinct focal points. The system automatically switches between these focal points, based on the position of the lens with respect to the object being observed.

Abstract: There are provided a circular transparent electrode provided on a first substrate at the center thereof, a plurality of annular transparent electrodes which are disposed outside the circular transparent electrode concentrically and narrowed in width and interval as they are directed outward, extension electrodes which extend crosswise outward from the center to an external terminal electrode, and an alignment layer on these electrodes. There are also provided a transparent electrode on an entire surface of a second substrate, and an alignment layer on the transparent electrode, wherein the first and second alignment layers are subjected to a parallel aligning treatment. The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded to each other while keeping a given internal by gap members disposed outside the annular transparent electrodes, and a nematic liquid crystal is sealed in a gap between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: An optical pickup includes: a light source, an object lens, and an aberration correction unit for correcting aberration by giving a phase difference to a light beam. The aberration correction unit corrects astigmatism caused by an optical system of the optical pickup.

Abstract: A single hollow element (12) surrounds the cavity (72) lying between a first surface (36) and a second surface (312) of a liquid crystal cell (8). An inside side surface (20) of element (12) bounds a perimeter (43) of the first surface (36) and extends between the first surface (36) and an end surface (14) of the hollow element (12). The end surface (14) of the hollow element (12) contains an opening (28) formed by the cavity (72). The second surface (312) overlaps the end surface (14) and covers opening (28) to contain a liquid crystal material (129) in the cell (8).

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell (10) is formed with a hollow cylinder (12) and a solid cylinder (32) inserted into a hole (32) of the hollow cylinder (12) so that a first reference surface (34) of the solid cylinder (32) lies between a first reference surface (14) of the hollow cylinder (12) and a second surface (13) of the hollow cylinder (12). The first reference surface (14) of the hollow cylinder (12) and the second surface (13) of the hollow cylinder (12) are essentially parallel surfaces which are perpendicular to the axis of revolution (18) of the hollow cylinder (12). The solid cylinder (34) is affixed to the hollow cylinder (12) to maintain a fixed gap (38) between the first reference surface (14) of the hollow cylinder (12) and the first reference surface (34) of the solid cylinder (32).

Abstract: A variable focus lens comprising a chamber (12) filled with a first liquid (13), a drop of a second liquid (11) being disposed at rest on a region of a first surface of an insulating wall of the chamber, the first and second liquids being non miscible, of different optical indexes and of substantially same density. The first liquid is conductive and the second liquid is insulating. The lens further comprises means for applying a voltage between the conductor liquid and an electrode (16) placed on the second surface of said wall; and centering means for maintaining the centering of the edge of the drop while the voltage is applied and for controlling the shape thereof.