Abstract: In the lens embodiment, the invention described herein incorporates a first fluid with a first refractive index in a first series of concentric zones and a second fluid with a second refractive index in a second series of concentric zones. The two zones being adjacent to one another alternating between a concentric circle of the first then a concentric circle of the second then the first and etc. Wherein each circular zone in the series of first and second fluid zones are separated by a transparent barrier with elasticity. Additionally, fluid can be added or subtracted to each concentric circle as desired through ports in their otherwise sealed chambers. The structure and process described produces a refractive and/or diffractive optical component which is predictably and reliably variable as to its focal length and transmittance direction.

Abstract: The achromatic variable view window or lens enables a user to change the views possible through a window from a given perspective point. One embodiment includes two variable electrooptically addressed materials, temperature regulating element, insulating layer, mounting structures, and operating software. The system relies on forming parallel and/or concentric circle arrays. Whereby the arrays are formulated such that varying the angle at which each of two materials transition between their respective &eegr;e and &eegr;o states produces a calculated and predictable deflection upon a poly chromatic incident ray while dispersion of the ray is reduced to a controllable tolerance. Objectives of this new art are to maximize refraction, control dispersion, and eliminate physical motion. It can operate as a variable angle achromatic prism when addressed in parallel arrays or a variable focal length achromatic lens when addressed in concentric circular arrays.