Abstract: A multiple group variable focal length lens is provided. The lens has a first lens group including a variable power lens element and is positioned in a stationary manner along an optical axis. The lens also has a second lens group moveably positioned along the optical axis. The variable power lens element can be an electrically controllable liquid lens having a surface with a variable radius of curvature created by two liquids having distinct indices of refraction with one of the liquids having an index of refraction greater than 1.60. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the liquids used in the liquid lens can include nanoscale particles.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus (40) has an optical sensor (14) with sensing elements (18). Each sensing element (18) has an array of sensing components (28). Each sensing component (28) provides a signal corresponding to a pixel for forming an image as an array of pixels. A lens array (76) has a number of lens elements (66). Each lens element (66) directs light to a corresponding sensing element (18) in the optical sensor (14). A prism array (60) has a number of prism elements (62), each prism element (62) directing incident light from the image field toward a corresponding lens element (66) in the lens array (76).