Abstract: A variable focal length lens sensor system for use with UAVs is disclosed. A variable focal length lens camera for use with cell phones. One or more static optical components and one or more are within a housing. The variable focal length lens includes a sidewall and first and second optical surfaces defining an aperture. One or more of the optical surfaces are at least partially elastic. One or more lens fluids are disposed between the aperture and sidewall. An actuator is configured to apply a force to a portion of the variable focal length lens. The applied force results in a change in focal length of the variable focal length lens. The combination of static optical components and variable focal length lenses are capable of providing variable zoom and focus. An image sensor is optically coupled to the variable focal length lens for capturing images. Control electronics are configured to control the fluidic lens and sensor.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical element which controls both the phase and irradiance distribution, thereby completely specifying the E-field, of light, allowing completely arbitrary control of the light at any plane. Such an optical element includes a portion that controls the phase and a portion that controls the irradiance. The portion that controls the irradiance is an apodized irradiance mask having its transmission varying with position in a controlled fashion. This apodized irradiance mask is preferably a pattern of metal. In order to insure a smoothly varying pattern of metal with minimized diffraction effects, a very thin mask spaced from a substrate is used to provide the metal on the substrate. The apodized irradiance mask may be placed directly on the phase control portion, or may be on an opposite side of a substrate of the phase controlled portion.

Abstract: An optical element which controls both the phase and irradiance distribution, thereby completely specifying the E-field, of light, allowing completely arbitrary control of the light at any plane. Such an optical element includes a portion that controls the phase and a portion that controls the irradiance. The portion that controls the irradiance is an apodized irradiance mask having its transmission varying with position in a controlled fashion. This apodized irradiance mask is preferably a pattern of metal. In order to insure a smoothly varying pattern of metal with minimized diffraction effects, a very thin mask spaced from a substrate is used to provide the metal on the substrate. The apodized irradiance mask may be placed directly on the phase control portion, or may be on an opposite side of a substrate of the phase controlled portion.

Abstract: An optical element which controls both the phase and irradiance distribution, thereby completely specifying the E-field, of light, allowing completely arbitrary control of the light at any plane. Such an optical element includes a portion that controls the phase and a portion that controls the irradiance. The portion that controls the irradiance is an apodized irradiance mask having its transmission varying with position in a controlled fashion. This apodized irradiance mask is preferably a pattern of metal. In order to insure a smoothly varying pattern of metal with minimized diffraction effects, a very thin mask spaced from a substrate is used to provide the metal on the substrate. The apodized irradiance mask may be placed directly on the phase control portion, or may be on an opposite side of a substrate of the phase controlled portion.

Abstract: The spatial resolution of Hartmann-type sensors can be increased by moving a wavefront being sensed relative to the sensor by a non-integral number of apertures. The apertures may have a tilt on at least one side thereof. The lenslets themselves in a lenslet array may serve as the apertures or material may be provided on the lenslet array to create the apertures.

Abstract: A Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor having an aperture which is smaller than the size of an object being measured is used to measure the wavefront for the entire object. The wavefront sensor and the object are translated relative to one another to measure the wavefronts at a plurality of subregions of the object. The measured wavefronts are then stitched together to form a wavefront of the object. The subregions may overlap in at least one dimensions. A reference surface may be provided to calibrate the wavefront sensor.

Abstract: A high reflectance deformable mirror includes first and second substrates. The first substrate has formed therein a membrane having a bottom surface and a polished top surface. The top surface of the membrane forms the mirror surface and is preferably covered with a high reflectance coating. The first substrate also has formed therein at least one pillar for deforming the membrane. The pillar is integrally formed with the membrane and extends from the bottom surface of the membrane. The second substrate has at least one actuating member positioned thereon for actuating the pillar. Further, the first substrate is mounted to the second substrate such that the bottom surface of the membrane faces the second substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating member comprises an electrode for applying an electrostatic force to the pillar. Also disclosed are single substrate embodiments of the mirror and preferred methods for producing the mirror.