Abstract: Provided is a lens apparatus in which a plurality of lenses are formed, including: a housing filled with a first liquid and a second liquid that do not mix with each other; a partition to divide the inside of the housing into a plurality of regions, each of the regions being filled with one of the first liquid and the second liquid; and a pressure control section that controls the internal pressure of the region filled with the first liquid, where the partition is provided with a plurality of openings, in which a plurality of lenses having different characteristics from each other are formed by the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid, and the regions inside the housing filled with the first liquid are linked to each other so that the first liquid can move therebetween.

Abstract: A method for compensating an aberration of a variable focus liquid lens is configured to compensate the aberration associated with a first lens surface and a second lens surface of the liquid lens. The first lens surface is of a first radius of curvature. The second lens surface is of a second radius of curvature.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially a conical frustum and at least a portion of the conical frustum concave in relation to the optical axis. An application of an electrical current to the meniscus wall provides for a increase in negative power in an optical quality provided by the liquid meniscus lens. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a torus convex toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: A non-round fluid lens assembly includes a non-round rigid lens and a flexible membrane attached to the non-round rigid lens, such that a cavity is formed between the non-round rigid lens and the flexible membrane. A reservoir in fluid communication with the cavity allows a fluid to be transferred into and out of the cavity so as to change the optical power of the fluid lens assembly. In an embodiment, a front surface of the non-round rigid lens is aspheric. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the flexible membrane may be contoured so that it changes shape in a spheric manner when fluid is transferred between the cavity and the reservoir.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an adjustable optical lens comprising a membrane, a support for the membrane, a fluid between the membrane and the support, an actuator for deforming the membrane, and a rigid ring connected to the membrane for moving with the membrane for ensuring that a section of the membrane surrounded by the rigid ring has a defined circumference.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.

Abstract: An oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending through the substrate. A liquid drop is disposed within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and including a chamber. The liquid drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid drop, and the liquid lens further includes a driver for oscillating the liquid drop within the channel.

Abstract: A fluidic lens includes a cavity 16 containing an optically transparent liquid and bounded by optically transparent walls 10, 32 arranged such that light may pass into the fluid via one wall and exit from the fluid via another wall, at least one said wall including at least one optically transparent piezoelectric element which is deformable so as to change the shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A coating including a liquid-phobic and/or liquid-philic material, the coating configured to control the shape of a corresponding liquid to form a liquid lens of specific focal length on the coating.

Abstract: Colored fluids for electrowetting, electro fluidic, or electrophoretic devices, and the devices themselves, are disclosed. The colored fluid can include a nonaqueous polar solvent having (a) a dynamic viscosity of 0.1 cP to 50 cP at 250 C, (b) a surface tension of 25 dynes/cm to 55 dynes/cm at 250 C, and (c) an electrowetting relative response of 40% to 80%. Such colored fluids further include a colorant selected from a pigment and/or a dye. In another embodiment, the colored fluid can include a non-polar solvent and an organic colorant selected from a pigment and/or a dye. Such colored fluids can be black in color and have a conductivity from 0 pS/cm to 5 pS/cm and a dielectric constant less than 3. The use of the colored fluids offers improvements in reliability, higher levels of chroma in the dispersed state, and the ability to achieve higher contrast ratios in display technologies.

Abstract: An optical device with a deformable membrane including an anchor area on a support entrapping a liquid or gas fluid, a central area reversibly deformable from a rest position, actuating means for moving the fluid biasing the membrane into an intermediate area between the anchor area and the central area, the actuating means include a piezoelectric continuous crown accommodating several actuators, this crown surrounding the central area, the actuating means being anchored to the membrane in the intermediate area, the actuating means and the membrane to which they are anchored, forming at least one piezoelectric bimorph, the actuating means radially contracting or extending upon actuation to generate a movement of said fluid from the intermediate area to the central area of the membrane or vice versa, aiming at deforming the central area with respect to its rest position.

Abstract: The variable focus lens of the present invention changes the refractive power by changing each of the shapes of a first interface formed by a first liquid and a second liquid that have refractive indices that differ from each other and a second interface formed by the second liquid and a third liquid that have refractive indices that differ from each other. Thereby, this variable focus lens changes the first interface and the second interface such that the sign of the refractive power of the first interface and the sign of the refractive power of the second interface differ from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum combined with a segment of a torus convex to the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate having a top surface, a substantially regular array of raised structures located over the top surface, and a layer located on the top surface between the structures. Distal surfaces of the structures are farther from the top surface than remaining portions of the structures. The layer is able to contract such that the distal surfaces of the structures protrude through the layer. The layer is able to swell such that the distal surfaces of the structures are closer to the top surface of the substrate than one surface of the layer.

Abstract: A focus module containing a boundary element and a focus element. The focus element includes a fluid and a deformable membrane, with the fluid being entrapped between the boundary element and the deformable membrane. The focus module also includes a pressure element, which is capable of deforming the focus element by pressing on the deformable membrane in the direction of the boundary element.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, additional embodiments may include a cylindrical wall, each with microchannels. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim may be disposed outside the reservoir and configured to contact and provide additional deformation to one or more of the first or second optical surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens, some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a front curve arcuate lens and a back curve arcuate lens. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: A code reading apparatus includes: a storage section storing an applied voltage table showing a relationship between a focal distance of a liquid lens and an applied voltage to the liquid lens; a laser focus section performing laser focus adjustment; a contrast focus section performing contrast focus adjustment; and a correction section correcting a content of the applied voltage table based on a distance from the liquid lens to a subject found by the laser focus section and a corresponding applied voltage with which the subject is brought into focus by the contrast focus section.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical electrowetting device a body comprising at least a first external surface and a second internal surface with a conical shape; a liquid-liquid interface between a first and a second immiscible liquids, the first liquid being a conducting liquid and the second liquid being an insulating liquid, wherein the liquid-liquid interface is able to move on the second internal surface by electrowetting effect; a first electrode in contact with the first liquid; a second electrode insulated from the first liquid by an insulating layer, the second electrode comprising at least a first electrical conductive track to be connected to a voltage source and extending from the first external surface of the body to the second internal surface; and a first layer covering the second internal surface of said body and being covered by the insulating layer, wherein the shape of the liquid-liquid interface is controllable by application of at least a first voltage between the first electrode and the fi

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical element, an optical element array, and a method of manufacturing an optical element capable of forming a desired interface shape. In a microlens and a microlens array, at least one of a transparent liquid forming a liquid phase and microbubbles forming a gas phase is subjected to temperature adjustment by a curvature control part. The transparent liquid and the microbubbles subjected to temperature adjustment thermally expands or contracts, such that the shape of a curved interface formed between the transparent liquid and the microbubbles is changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, a cross section of which is non-spherical. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with at least a portion of the conical frustum convex toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with at least a portion of the conical frustum concave toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: A light head structure with adjustable focal length and a lighting device thereof. The light head structure includes a base, a threaded collar and a soft lens. The threaded collar has an assembling section, a receiving space for receiving the base therein and a protrusion section formed on an inner circumference of the threaded collar. The base has a recess for receiving a light-emitting element therein and an outer connection section for movably assembling with the assembling section. The soft lens has a focusing section in alignment with the light-emitting element. The focusing section has an extension section. The protrusion section of the threaded collar abuts against the extension section to attach the extension section to the outer circumference of the base. The thickness of the soft lens is adjustable to change the focal length and enhance the illumination. The lighting device can be easily manufactured to lower manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Switchable lens systems and methods of manufacturing switchable lens systems are provided. A representative switchable lens system includes an imaging area and a seal line. The imaging area includes a first glass plate, a second glass plate and a lenticular structure. The lenticular structure is arranged in between the first and second glass plates and is provided with a plurality of cavities in between the lenticular structure and one of the first and second glass plates. The seal line surrounds the imaging area at its periphery, and is provided with a throughhole. A filling channel is located between at least a portion of the periphery of the imaging area and the seal line to provide a connection between the throughhole and multiple ones of the cavities.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using handheld data readers comprising one or more fluid lenses. One or more fluid lenses are provided to allow a handheld data reader to perform such operations as reading indicia, including such additional operations as zooming, reorienting a viewing direction, focusing, adjusting an optical axis, and correcting for the effects of motion such as hand jitter. The fluid lens or lenses can be operated for example by applying electrical signals to fluid lenses comprising a plurality of fluids including at least one that is conductive and at least one that is non-conductive.

Abstract: A material preferably in crystal form having a low atomic number such as beryllium (Z=4) provides for the focusing of x-rays in a continuously variable manner. The material is provided with plural spaced curvilinear, optically matched slots and/or recesses through which an x-ray beam is directed. The focal length of the material may be decreased or increased by increasing or decreasing, respectively, the number of slots (or recesses) through which the x-ray beam is directed, while fine tuning of the focal length is accomplished by rotation of the material so as to change the path length of the x-ray beam through the aligned cylindrical slots. X-ray analysis of a fixed point in a solid material may be performed by scanning the energy of the x-ray beam while rotating the material to maintain the beam's focal point at a fixed point in the specimen undergoing analysis.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device may include a first optical surface that includes an deformable material and a second optical surface that includes a rigid material. An optical fluid disposed between first and second optical surfaces and an actuator is disposed in communication with first optical surface. Activation of actuator results in a deformation of first optical surface and displacement of optical fluid. The deformation and displacement result in a change in an optical property of the device. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A liquid lens includes a sealed shell, a liquid material, a transparent carbon nanotube structure within the liquid material, and a first electrode and a second electrode, a voltage being applied to the carbon nanotube structure causes rapid heating, which is transferred to the liquid material to change the density thereof, and the refractive index of the liquid material is thus changed.

Abstract: A variable-focus liquid lens is provided. The liquid lens includes a membrane and a fluid. The membrane is made of a transparent elastomer, and the fluid fills a predetermined space to contact at least a lens surface of the membrane. The membrane and the fluid are respectively made of materials repulsive to each other, for example, hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials or oleophilic and oleophobic materials. Accordingly, a repulsive force between the fluid and the membrane can prevent the absorption or leaking of the fluid into/through the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and manufacturing methods for a fluid filled lens reservoir system. The eyeglass reservoir system includes a temple piece having a cavity, a bladder positioned within the cavity and configured to repeatedly compress and relax, the bladder being made of a flexible material, and a connecting tube coupled to an inlet port of a lens module and to the bladder, configured to carry a fluid between the bladder and a fluid filled lens cavity of the lens module. The eyeglass reservoir system further comprises a compression arm contacting the bladder and configured to transmit force from an actuator to the bladder to cause movement of the fluid between the bladder and the connecting tube. The bladder and connecting tube are made of a flexible material such as polyvinyledende difluoride. The connecting tube further comprises a flared end configured to couple to the inlet port of the lens module.

Abstract: A tunable super-lens (TSL) for nanoscale optical sensing and imaging of bio-molecules and nano-manufacturing utilizes negative-index materials (NIMs) that operate in the visible or near infrared light. The NIMs can create a lens that will perform sub-wavelength imaging, enhanced resolution imaging, or flat lens imaging. This new TSL covers two different operation scales. For short distances between the object and its image, a near-field super-lens (NFSL) can create or enhance images of objects located at distances much less than the wavelength of light. For the far-zone, negative values are necessary for both the permittivity ? a permeability ?. While well-structured periodic meta-materials, which require delicate design and precise fabrication, can be used, metal-dielectric composites are also candidates for NIMs in the optical range. The negative-refraction in the composite films can be made by using frequency-selective photomodification.

Abstract: A fluid pressure liquid lens includes: a fluid pressure driving portion which is configured to include a first cavity, a fluid pressure generating groove, and an actuator generating a fluid pressure on liquid so as to adjust the fluid pressure by using the actuator; a first transparent elastic membrane which is disposed on an upper surface of the fluid pressure driving portion to seal an upper portion of the first cavity of the fluid pressure driving portion and of which the curvature is changed according to the fluid pressure of the liquid; and a transparent substrate which is disposed on a lower surface of the fluid pressure driving portion to seal a lower portion of the first cavity of the fluid pressure driving portion and which is made of transparent material passing through incident light, wherein a focal length is adjusted by using the fluid pressure generated by the actuator.

Abstract: A changeable liquid lens array and a method of manufacturing the same. The changeable liquid lens array includes a substrate, a plurality of partition walls arrayed on the substrate and having a fluid travel path, cells defined by the plurality of partition walls, a first fluid comprised in the cells, a second fluid arranged on the first fluid, a first electrode arranged on at least one side surface of each of the partition walls, and a second electrode disposed to be separate from the partition walls. A shape of an interface between the first fluid and the second fluid changes based on a voltage that is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A process to manufacture a 3D mold to fabricate a high-throughput and low cost sub-micron 3D structure product is disclosed. The process integrates use of 2-photon laser lithography and 3D write technology to make a 3D mold of each layer of the 3D structure product, and then use nanoimprinting to form a sheet of polymer film of each layer of the 3D structure from the said 3D mold of that layer. Each layer of the sheet of polymer film is then fabricated into the sub-micron 3D structure product. The 3D mold of each layer of a high-throughput and low cost sub-micron 3D structure product, is further used to make master molds which is then used to form a sheet of polymer film of each layer of the 3D structure to fabricate the sub-micron 3D structure product. Applications using this process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable focus liquid lens includes: a lens barrel which is configured to include a first cavity to contain first and second liquids which are not mixed with each other in upper and lower portions of the first cavity, respectively; a fluid pressure driving unit which is configured to include a second cavity, a fluid pressure generating groove, and an actuator generating a fluid pressure on the second liquid so as to adjust the fluid pressure of the second liquid by using the actuator; a first transparent elastic membrane sealing an upper portion of the first cavity of the lens barrel; and a conductive transparent substrate sealing a lower portion of the second cavity of the fluid pressure driving unit. The focal length is adjusted by changing the curvatures of the surfaces of the first and second liquids and the curvature of the first transparent elastic membrane by a voltage.

Abstract: Methods for filling an internal volume of a liquid filled lens mechanism with fluid are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include creating a vacuum within the internal volume, de-aerating the fluid, filling the vacuum in the internal volume with the de-aerated fluid, and sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the methods include elevating a temperature of the fluid prior to sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the internal volume is formed by a structure having at least one flexible component.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a non-powered actuator arm for controlling liquid flow to a fluid-filled lens are described herein. A vertical tweezer assembly compresses a reservoir of solution in a first vertical direction by lateral disposition of a slider mounted on the outside of the housing. The assembly may also be shaped to provide compression of the reservoir in a second horizontal direction by lateral disposition of a slider. In another embodiment, a housing may contain a piston that moves laterally within the housing and collapses the reservoir disposed adjacent to the piston and also within the housing. The housing may contain a plurality of compressible domes which can each be compressed to cause a local compression on the reservoir disposed within the housing. Compression of the reservoir causes liquid inflation of a lens module.

Abstract: A non-oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending through the substrate. A liquid lens drop is held within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and which includes a chamber. The liquid lens drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid lens drop, and an actuator which facilitates adjusting configuration of the liquid lens drop within the channel, and thus, a focal distance of the liquid lens.

Abstract: A fluidic stabilized focus device comprises a fluidic lens core and a first yoke. The fluidic lens core includes a support ring, a first surface that includes an elastic membrane, a second surface, and a volume of fluid enclosed within the boundaries of the first and second surfaces and support ring. The first yoke has an annular portion configured to engage the first surface. Engagement of the first surface by the first yoke results in a displacement of the fluid and a change in optical properties of the device.

Abstract: A variable focus lens has a housing (1) and an actuator (8) which are mutually displaceable along an optical axis (A) of the lens. A primary membrane (15) is arranged between a first chamber (24, 26) and a second chamber (30, 32), with the first and second chambers being filled with liquids of similar density but different indices of refraction. First and second auxiliary membranes (19, 17) are provided for volume compensation. The first auxiliary membrane (19) forms a wall section of the first chamber (24, 26), and the second auxiliary membrane (17) forms a wall section of the second chamber (30, 32), at least one or both of the auxiliary membranes facing environmental air at its outer side.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed. The optical element may include a container having a holding chamber, a polar or conductive first liquid filled in the holding chamber, a second liquid filled in the holding chamber and not mixing with the first liquid, first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the first liquid, and voltage application means for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An optical device with a deformable membrane including an anchoring area on a support helping to contain a constant volume of liquid in contact with one of its faces, a substantially central area, configured to be deformed reversibly from a rest position, and an actuation mechanism displacing the liquid in the central area stressing the membrane in at least one area situated strictly between the central area and the anchoring area. The actuation mechanism is electrostatic and includes at least one pair of opposing electrodes, one of the electrodes of the pair being at the level of the membrane, the other being at the level of the support, the electrodes being separated by dielectric, the dielectric being formed at least by the liquid.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a liquid lens includes a pair of transparent members and a transparent liquid composed of a silicone oil not having compatibility with the fluorinated elastomeric membrane. In one example embodiment, at least one of the transparent members is a deformable deformation membrane formed of a fluorinated elastomeric membrane. In one example embodiment, the transparent liquid fills an enclosed space sandwiched between the pair of transparent members.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a high-efficiency Electrowetting saline solution formulation. Specific embodiments include high-efficiency Electrowetting saline formulations that maximize the electrical performance of an arcuate liquid meniscus lens incorporated in an ophthalmic lens and operated using direct current.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is compensated for its movement during image acquisition of an object by acquiring the image through a lens subassembly in the apparatus which includes a liquid lens, sensing movement of the apparatus during image acquisition, and controlling the liquid lens to compensate for the effects on the image of movement of the apparatus. Preferably, the liquid lens is controlled so as to change its focal length.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with portions of gradient thickness dielectric. Other embodiments may include a cylindrical shape meniscus wall. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.