Holographic Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Diffraction Grating

Abstract

A camera system includes an image sensor assembly and a tunable optical element. The tunable optical element is a holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal diffraction grating of alternating PDLC layers. The diffraction grating is tunable by applying an electric field to the optical element via a control element. The control element applies a voltage differential to the optical element inducing an electric field which changes the polarization of the PDLC within the optical element. The refractive index of the holographic grating is dependent on the polarization of the liquid crystals within the optical element. Applying the electric field to the tunable element changes the optical properties of the grating.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/425,048, filed Nov. 21, 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Field of Art

This description generally relates to camera systems and more specifically, to camera systems including a tunable diffraction gratings.

Description of Related Art

Digital cameras are becoming more pervasive in the field of activity focused photography. As their popularity increases, the cameras are being miniaturized to even higher degrees. As the cameras are miniaturized the functionality of the optical systems can diminish as various optical elements are sacrificed in order to reduce optical system footprints. Current activity cameras are designed with optical systems that produce the highest quality images with the smallest optical footprint, but still can be greatly improved in terms of functionality.

Some examples of functionality that current activity camera optical systems have sacrificed to minimize the camera size include: diffraction control, prism effects, aberration minimization, focal control, etc. A camera system using tunable optical elements that increases the functionality of activity cameras without increasing their optical system footprint is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a liquid crystal with a first refractive index n₀ in the x and y direction and a second refractive index in the z direction, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows an array of liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer that are substantially well aligned in the z-direction when exposed to the electric field E_a, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 1C shows an array of liquid crystals dispersed in a polymer that are askew from the z axis by an angle when exposed to an electric field E_b, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows a PDLC between two electrical contacts in which the PDLC has a first refractive index n₁ when exposed to the electric field between the two electrical contacts generated by an external voltage source, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a repetitive array of two alternating PDLC layers between two electrical contacts in which each alternating PDLC layer has a different refractive index when exposed to the electric field between the electrical contacts generated by an external voltage source, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2C shows a stack of repetitive arrays of two alternating PDLC layers between several electrical contacts in which each alternating PDLC layer has a different refractive index that when exposed to the electric fields between the electrical contacts generated by different external voltage sources, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2D shows a PDLC layer with volumetric areas of a different refractive index that when exposed to an electric field between the electrical contacts generated by an external voltage source, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 2E shows a PDLC layer with various volumetric areas of differing refractive indexes dispersed in a PDLC layer, the volumetric areas arranged in differing manners, according to one example embodiment.

FIGS. 3A and 3B shows rectangular sheet resistors with electrodes on two sides that can be used as the upper and lower contact to generate tunable electric fields within the PDLC layers to vary the optical properties of the layer.

FIG. 3C shows a rectangular sheet resistor with electrodes on four sides that can be used as the upper and lower contact of a PDLC device to generate a tunable electric field within the PDLC layers to vary the optical properties of the layers.

FIG. 3D shows a cross section of a PDLC array with rectangular sheet resistors on the top and bottom side of the PDLC layers, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 3E shows a cross section of a PDLC stack with rectangular sheet resistors controlling a variety of PDLC arrays in the stack, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows a circular sheet resistor annulus with electrodes on an inner ring and an outer ring can be used as the upper and lower contact of to generate tunable electric fields within the PDLC layers to vary the optical properties of the layer, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 4B shows a cross section of a PDLC array with circular sheet resistor annulis on opposing sides of the array, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 4C shows a stack of circular sheet resistor annuli from the side with variable inner and outer radii, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows a planar view of a holographic PDLC diffraction grating rotationally symmetric about the optical axis, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a cross sectional view of a rotationally symmetric holographic PDLC diffraction grating along the x axis, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 5C shows a cross sectional view of a rotationally symmetric holographic PDLC diffraction grating along the y axis, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 5D shows a planar view of a holographic PDLC diffraction grating symmetric about two axes, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 5E shows a cross sectional view of a holographic PDLC diffraction grating that is symmetric about two axes along the x axis, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 5F shows a cross sectional view of a circularly symmetric holographic grating symmetric about two axes along the y axis, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an integrated image sensor and lens assembly with a tunable optical element, according to one example embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a camera system architecture, according to one example embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to preferred embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

Configuration Overview

A camera system includes an image sensor assembly for capturing images and is centered about an optical axis. The camera system includes a tunable optical element for focusing light onto the image sensor. The tunable optical element is a substantially rectangular block centered about the optical axis and has at least a bottom side and a top side. The tunable optical element includes a first plurality of layers of a first material having a first refractive index. The first material has a first polarization that is controllable by an applied electric field and the polarization controls the first refractive index of the first plurality of layers. Similarly, the tunable optical element includes a second plurality of layers of a second material having a second refractive index. The second material has a second polarization that is controllable by a second applied electric field and the second polarization controls the refractive index of the first plurality of layers. In some embodiments, only one of, or neither, the first or the second refractive indexes are controllable by an electric field.

The first and second plurality of layers are alternately layered in the tunable optical element as a layer stack. Each of the first and second plurality of layers have at least one respective arc-shaped cross section having respective peaks aligned with the optical axis. In some embodiments, the arc-shaped cross sections are rotationally symmetric about the optical axis. In other embodiments, the arc-shaped cross sections are symmetric about a single axis passing through the optical axis.

The tunable optical element includes a first and second control element. The first control element is coupled to the tunable optical element and applies a voltage differential to the first plurality of layers. The applied voltage differential creates an electric field controlling the first refractive index of the first plurality of layers. The second control element is coupled to the tunable optical element and applies a second voltage differential to the second plurality of layers. The second applied voltage differential creates a second electric field controlling the second refractive index of the first plurality of layers. In some configurations, a single control element controls both the first and the second refractive index. In other configurations, more than two control elements are coupled to the plurality of layers to control the first and the second refractive index.

In some configurations the first control element is coupled to the first plurality of layers and not the second plurality of layers. In other configurations the first control element is coupled to two opposing surfaces of the tunable optical element and is a sheet resistor.

In some configurations the first material of the first plurality of layers is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal and the second material of the second plurality of layers is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal. The layers can be created by holographic interferometry.

In some configurations the camera system further includes a lens tube comprising optical elements that focus light from external the camera body onto the image sensor. The tunable optical element can be coupled to the lens tube.

In some configurations, the tunable optical element functions as a diffraction grating. The tunable optical element can transmit a first wavelength of light while reflecting a second wavelength of light. Additionally, the tunable optical element can transmit light that is parallel to the optical axis while reflecting light that is not parallel to the optical axis. Finally, the tunable optical element can have a first set of optical characteristics when a first electric field is applied and a second set of optical characteristics when a second electric field is applied.

Tunable Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals

In polymer dispersed liquid crystal devices (PDLCs), liquid crystals are dissolved or dispersed into a liquid polymer followed by solidification or curing of the polymer. During the change of the polymer from a liquid to solid, the liquid crystals become incompatible with the solid polymer and form droplets throughout the solid polymer. The curing conditions affect the size of the droplets that in turn affect the final operating properties of the PDLC. Typically, the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystals is placed between two layers of glass or plastic that include a thin layer of a transparent, conductive material followed by curing of the polymer, thereby forming the basic sandwich structure of a tunable optical element.

Electrodes from a power supply are attached to transparent electrodes coupled to the PDLCs. With no applied voltage, the liquid crystals are randomly arranged in the droplets, resulting in a first refractive index as it passes through the assembly. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes, the electric field formed between the two transparent electrodes on the glass causes the liquid crystals to align, allowing light to pass through the droplets with a different refractive index and resulting in different optical properties of the assembly. The refractive index (or indexes) can be controlled by the applied voltage. This is possible because at lower voltages, only a few of the liquid crystals align completely in the electric field, so only a small portion of the light passes through a first refractive index while most of the light passes through a second refractive index. As the voltage is increased, fewer liquid crystals remain out of alignment, resulting in additional light passing through the second refractive index. More generally, the applied electric field can control the refractive index in any number of ways as described herein. It is also possible to control the amount of light passing through, when tints and dissimilar inner layers are used.

PDLC Refractive Indices

Liquid crystals are a material which can have properties of conventional liquids and solid crystals. For example, a liquid crystal may flow like a liquid but its molecules may be oriented in crystal like configurations. PLDCs can have optical properties that vary depending on the properties of the light, liquid crystals, and polymers in the system. The optical properties of PDLCs can be influenced by: the shape, orientation, composition, and size of the liquid crystal; the polarization, incident angle, and wavelength of the interacting light; shape, composition, size, and thickness of the polymer; any other material property of elements of the system; or any other optical property of elements of the system.

FIG. 1A shows a liquid crystal 110 with a first refractive index n₀ 112 in the x and y directions and a second refractive index n_e 114 in the z direction. The illustrated liquid crystal 110 can be substantially ovoid in shape and is symmetric about the z axis, but liquid crystals can take any shape. The shape, composition, size, and orientation of a liquid crystal can all affect the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal. Further, the liquid crystal is responsive to electric fields, charges, and currents and the electrical activity can reorient the direction of the crystal based on the strength, proximity, and direction of the electrical activity. Generally, the liquid crystals are dispersed in a polymer substrate such that the liquid crystals are substantially colloidal within the polymer substrate.

FIG. 1B shows an array of liquid crystals 110 dispersed in a polymer (not shown) that are substantially well aligned in the z-direction when exposed to the electric field E_a. Light 116 enters the polymer along the x axis and propagates through the PDLC experiencing a first refractive index associated with the x axis of the liquid crystal.

FIG. 1C shows an array of liquid crystals 110 dispersed in a polymer that are askew from the z axis by an angle θ 118 when exposed to an electric field E_b. Light 116 enters the polymer along the x axis and propagates through the PDLC experiencing a second refractive index associated with the askew orientation of the liquid crystal 110. The refractive index can be dependent on the degree of skew away from the z axis and be some refractive index between n_e and n₀, or the refractive index can be any other value for the refractive index n₁ based on the skewed orientation of the liquid crystals.

While not pictured, the liquid crystals 110 may not fully align with respect to one another when exposed to an electric field, e.g. when exposed to the electric field E_a a few of the liquid crystals may be slightly askew (e.g. at θ₁) while others may be more or less askew (e.g. at θ_n). Additionally, when changing between electric fields, e.g. E_a to E_b, the liquid crystals may take some time to realign and not all crystals may realign at the same speed or to the same orientation. The liquid crystals may also not be regularly spaced as illustrated and may be more densely spaced in certain areas of the polymer than other areas. While all of these effects may affect the aggregate optical properties of the PDLC devices described within, the effects do not compromise the general functionality of the PDLC device.

Tunable PDLC Layers

FIG. 2A shows a cross-section of a PDLC between two transparent electrical contacts 210 in which the PDLC 212 has a first refractive index n₁ when exposed to the electric field between the two electrical contacts generated by an external voltage source 214. In the example of FIG. 2A the electrical contacts can be an optically transparent electrodes that can have a constant voltage across the entirety of the electrode, similar to parallel plate capacitors. The refractive index n₁ of the PDLC is an aggregate refractive index for the configuration of all elements within the PDLC, e.g. optical characteristics of the polymer and optical characteristics of the liquid crystals. The aggregate refractive index is additionally dependent on the orientation of the liquid crystals within the polymer. Generally, when the PDLC is unaffected by an electric field the orientation of the liquid crystals within the PDLC is randomized and the PDLC has a different aggregate refractive index.

The electrodes 210 can be biased with a voltage V 214 such that there is an electric field E 216 between the two contacts. The electric field changes the orientation θ of the liquid crystals within the PDLC, i.e. θ is θ(E), and changes the refractive index of the PDLC 212, i.e. n is n(θ) and, therefore, n is n(θ(E)). Based on this dependency, light entering the PDLC 212 will experience the refractive index based on the electric field. In some embodiments, the refractive index can be continuously variable on the electric field E 216 while in other embodiments the refractive index may be discontinuously variable on the electric field E 216. For example, in a PDLC 212 with a discontinuous variation on electric field, the refractive index may be one value for a first range of electric fields and another value for another range of electric fields, etc. In a PDLC with a continuous variation on electric field, for each value of the electric field E the refractive index may have a different value. In still other configurations, the refractive index of the PDLC 212 may be based on the electric field 216 in any combination of a discontinuous and continuous manner, i.e. the refractive index is a first value for a first range of electric fields and continuously variable based on the electric field E 216 in for all other electric fields.

FIG. 2B shows a repetitive array of two alternating PDLC layers 212a and 212b between two transparent electrical contacts 210 in which each alternating PDLC layer has a different refractive index, e.g. n₁ and n₂, when exposed to the electric field E 216 between the electrical contacts 210 generated by an external voltage source V 214. In example of FIG. 2B the electrical contacts can be an optically transparent electrodes that has a constant voltage across the entirety of the electrode, similar to parallel plate capacitors. The refractive indices of the two repetitive PDLC layers are refractive indices based on all elements of the PDLC, e.g. optical characteristics of the polymer and optical characteristics of the liquid crystals. The aggregate refractive index of the entire PDLC array 218 (i.e. all of the PDLC layers between two contacts) is a function based on the repetitive layers, e.g. n₃(E)=n₁(θ(E)) H n₂(θ(E)) where H is some function indicating a relationship between the repetitive layers of n₁ and n₂. The aggregate refractive index n₃ can also be dependent on the thickness of the overall stack, the number of repetitions of each layer, the interface interactions of the layers, the thickness of each layer, the relative thickness of each layer, the shape of the layers, the relative shape of the layers, or any other similar consideration that may change the aggregate optical characteristics of the PDLC array 218.

FIG. 2C shows a repetitive array of two alternating PDLC layers 212a and 212b between several transparent electrical contacts 210 in which each alternating PDLC layer has a different refractive index, e.g. n₁, n₂, n_i, etc., when exposed to the electric fields between the electrical 210 contacts generated by different external voltage sources V_i 214. The repetitive array of FIG. 2C is similar to the repetitive array of FIG. 2B, but the array of FIG. 2C has added contacts 210 and voltages (e.g. V_i) that separate layers of the repetitive array. The added contacts allow individual control of the electric field E 216 for individual PDLC layers (or combination of PDLC layers) of the array giving enhanced control to the aggregate refractive index of the PDLC stack. Generally, the PDLC stack 220 can be any number of PDLC arrays 218 separated by any number of contacts 210.

FIG. 2D shows a PDLC layer 212 between several transparent electrical contacts 210 with a first refractive index, e.g. n₁, and volumetric areas 222 with a second refractive index, e.g. n₂, when exposed to the electric field between the electrical contacts generated by an external voltage source V 214. The volumetric areas 222 are regions within the PDLC layer in which the applied electric field 216 creates an area of a different refractive index. The volumetric areas within the PDLC layer contribute to the aggregate refractive index of the PDLC stack. Generally, the PDLC layer can have any number and size of volumetric areas arranged in type of ordering (e.g., layered, random, clustered, etc.). Further, the volumetric areas within the PDLC area can have any number of refractive indexes (e.g. n1, n2, . . . , n_i) rather than just the illustrated two refractive indexes. FIG. 2E shows an example of a PDLC layer with a first refractive index including volumetric regions having a second 222a and third 222b refractive index loosely arranged in a layers within the PDLC layer, and volumetric regions with a fourth refractive index 222c randomly distributed within the PDLC layer.

In some configurations, there may be no electrical contacts to any layer of the PDLC array and the refractive index of each constituent layer and the aggregate refractive index may be a singular value that is not dependent on the electric field. In other configurations, the electrical contacts may contact one edge of the PDLC layer and the electric field is generated between the contacted edge and another ‘floating’ edge(s) of the PDLC layer.

While all of the layers 212 of the arrays 218 and stacks 220 of FIGS. 2A-2C have been tunable PDLC layers, in some configurations some of the layers can be other materials that are not tunable by an electric field. Additionally, all of the layers 212 illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C have been parallel alternating layers; however, layers of the array and stack can take any shape (e.g. triangular, arcs, circles, half circles, etc.).

Control Schema for Tunable PDLC Layers

As described in FIGS. 2A-2E, the electrical contacts of a PDLC array are generally transparent electrodes that apply a constant voltage to opposing sides of the PDLC array. This configuration applies a nearly constant electric field E across the entirety of the PDLC array and does not create variably shaped and tunable electric fields. Described below are electrical contacts that allow for the generation of variably shaped and tunable electric fields using variable sheet resistors as electrical contacts to the PDLC layers.

Rectangular Sheet Resistors

FIGS. 3A-3B shows planar views of rectangular sheet resistors 310 with electrodes 320 on two sides. The sheet resistors that can be used as the upper and lower contacts (e.g. the transparent electrodes 210 of FIGS. 2A-2C) to generate tunable electric fields within the PDLC layers to vary the optical properties of the layer.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 3A the rectangular sheet resistor 310a is electrically contacted to electrodes 320 that run across the width of the sheet resistor with each electrode on an opposite edge. The electrodes 320 can be coupled to a voltage source (not pictured) that can apply a first voltage to one electrode 320a and a second voltage to the opposing electrode 320b (more generally, applying a voltage differential between the two contacts 320) such that a voltage drop across the sheet resistor 310a can be induced. The voltage drop may cause the voltage at any point 330 along the length of the sheet resistor 310a to be different, e.g. the voltage at the first point 330a may be different than the voltage at the second point 330b and the voltage at the third point 330c. In the illustrated example of FIG. 3B, the rectangular sheet resistor 310b is similarly configured to the example of FIG. 3A with the electrodes 320 contacted along the length sides of the sheet resistor 310b. In the configuration of FIG. 3B the voltage drop may cause the voltage at any point along the width of the resistor to be different, e.g. the voltage at the first point 330a may be different than the voltage at the second point 330b and the voltage at the third point 330c.

FIG. 3C shows a planar view of a rectangular sheet resistor 310c with electrodes 320a-d on all four sides. The rectangular sheet resistor 310c could be used as the upper and lower contact of a PDLC device to generate a tunable electric field within the PDLC layers to vary the optical properties of the layers. Having electrodes 320 on four sides of the variable sheet resistor allows for tuning the voltage drop across the sheet resistor in two-dimensions, e.g. the voltage at the first point 330a may be different than the voltage at the second point 330b and the voltage at the third point 330c.

FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of a PDLC array 340 with two rectangular sheet resistors 312 on opposite sides of the PDLC array, each sheet resistor 312 with an electrical contact 320 on each side of the sheet resistor 312. The PDLC array 340 can have any number of PDLC layers in any configuration (similar to FIGS. 2A-2B). The top sheet resistor 312a has a voltage drop between the top two electrodes 322 and the bottom sheet resistor 312b has a voltage drop between the bottom two electrodes 324. The voltage at the first point 332a on the top sheet resistor 312a is different from the voltage at the second point 332b on the top sheet resistor 312a. Similarly the voltage at the first point 334a on the bottom sheet resistor 312b is different from the voltage at the second point 334b on the bottom sheet resistor 312b. The voltage drops can be configured such that the electric field E 350a between the first point 332a on the top sheet resistor 312a and the first point 334a on the bottom sheet resistor 312b is different from the electric field E 350b between the second point 334a on the top sheet resistor 312a and the second point 334b on the bottom sheet resistor 312b. The variation of the electric field 350 between the top 312a and bottom 312b sheet resistor, or the electric field profile, can be tuned by controlling the voltages applied to the electrodes 322. Tuning the electric field profile can be used to control the refractive index of the PDLC array 340.

In configurations where the sheet resistors 312 of FIG. 3D are similar to the sheet resistors 310a of FIG. 3A (or the sheet resistors 310b FIG. 3B), the electric field profile can be controlled in one dimension. In configurations where the sheet resistors 312 of FIG. 3D are one sheet resistor 310a of FIG. 3A and one sheet resistor 310b of FIG. 3B (note that the bottom contacts are shown as a cross-section in this configuration), the electric profile can be controlled in two dimensions (i.e, on voltage drop side to side in the orientation of FIG. 3D, and one voltage drop into and out of the plane of FIG. 3D). In configurations where the sheet resistors 312 of FIG. 3D include a sheet resistor 310c of FIG. 3C the electric field profile can be controlled in two dimensions.

FIG. 3E shows a cross section of an example PDLC stack 220 separated by sheet resistors 310 with voltages 214 applied to the contacts 320 of each sheet resistor 310 such that voltage differentials exist between the sheet resistors. The voltage differentials between the sheet resistors 310 create an electric field E 350 that controls the refractive index of the PDLC array 218 between the two resistors 310. Controlling the electric field profiles(s) with the applied voltage(s) controls the aggregate refractive index n(E) of the PDLC stack 220 to affect the optical characteristics of the PDLC stack 220.

The illustrated example of FIG. 3E is a demonstration of possibility. The PDLC arrays 218, contacts 320, and applied voltages 214 can take any shape/size and can be in any configuration. For example, each PDLC array 218 of the PDLC stack 220 can have any number of PDLC layers 212 (e.g. 1, 2, 3, . . . n) with each PDLC layer 212 having any number of characteristics and optical properties. The PDLC stack 220 can have any number of PDLC arrays 218 separated by any number of sheet resistors 310 (or electrodes 210) and can have any number of aggregate characteristics and optical properties. The PDLC arrays 218 and sheet resistors 310 can be any shape or orientation and have any number of electrical contacts 320. There can be any number of voltage 214 sources and any number of potential differences between the sheet resistors 310 such that the electric fields 350 can control any number of electric field profiles of the PDLC array(s). The electric field profile(s) control the aggregate refractive index and optical characteristics of the PDLC stack 220. There can be any number or type of electric field profiles to control the aggregate refractive index. As examples, the electric fields 350 of FIG. 4C can be in any direction, be continuously variable on E, be discretely variable on E, be in different directions, be non-perpendicular to the PDLC layers, etc.

Circular Sheet Resistors

FIG. 4A shows a planar view of a circular sheet resistor annulus 410 with an electrode 420a connected to the inner circumference and an electrode 420b coupled to the outer circumference 420b. The circular sheet resistor annulus 410 can be used at the upper and lower contact of a PDLC array 218 or PDLC stack 220 (i.e. FIGS. 2A-2C) to generate tunable electric fields within the PDLC layers 212 to vary the optical properties of the layers 212, arrays 218, and stacks 220. The circular sheet resistor 410 is configured as an annulus with an inner radius r₁ and an outer radius r₂. There can be an electrode 420a coupled along the circumference of the inner radius and electrode 420b coupled along the circumference of the outer radius. The electrodes 420 can be coupled to a voltage source 214a that can apply a first voltage V₁ to one electrode and a voltage source 214b that can apply a second voltage V₂ to the opposing electrode such that a voltage drop across the circular 410 sheet resistor can be induced. The voltage drop may cause the radial voltage V_r 440 at any point of differing radii to be different, e.g. the voltage at the first point 430a may be different than the voltage at the second point 430b and the voltage at the third point 430c. Further, the circular variable sheet resistor 410 can be any other radially dependent shape such as an oval, ellipse, etc. In some configurations there may be more than one electrode coupled to the outer circumference (e.g. an electrode across a first arc and an electrode across a second arc of the outer circumference) and more than one coupled to the inner circumference (e.g. an electrode across a first arc and an electrode across a second arc of the inner circumference). Alternatively, or additionally, there may be additional circular electrodes coupled at any point within the annulus (e.g. along a third radius r).

FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a PDLC array 218 (or PDLC stack 220) with two circular sheet resistors 412a and 412b on opposite sides of the PDLC array, each circular sheet resistor 412 with an electrical contact 422 on an inner circumference and an electrical contact 424 on the outer circumference. The PDLC array 218 can have any number of PDLC layers in any configuration (similar to FIGS. 2A-2B). The top circular sheet resistor 412a has a voltage drop between the inner circumference electrode 422a and outer circumference electrode 424a and the bottom sheet resistor has a voltage drop between the inner circumference electrode 422b and the outer circumference electrode 424b. The voltage at the first point 452a on the top circular sheet resistor 412a is different from the voltage at the second point 454a on the top circular sheet resistor 412a. Similarly the voltage at the first point 452b on the bottom circular sheet resistor 412b is different from the voltage at the second point 424b on the bottom circular sheet resistor 412b. The voltage drops can be configured such that the electric field E 460a between the first point 452a on the top circular sheet resistor 412a and the first point 452b on the bottom circular sheet resistor 412b is different from the electric field E 460b between the second point 454a on the top sheet resistor 412a and the second point 454b on the bottom circular sheet resistor 412b. As the circular sheet resistors 412 vary radially, the voltage at the third point 456a on the top sheet resistor 412a is equivalent to the voltage at the second point 454a of the top circular sheet resistor 412a (i.e. they are at the same radius). Similarly for the voltages of the third 456b and second points 454b on the bottom sheet resistor 412b. Thus, the electric field E 460c between the third point 456 on the top and bottom circular sheet resistor 412 is equivalent to the electric field E 460b between the second point 454 on the top and bottom circular sheet resistor 412. The variation of the electric field 460 between the top and bottom circular sheet 412 resistors, or the electric field profile, can be tuned by controlling the voltages applied to the electrodes. Tuning the electric field profile can be used to control the refractive index and optical properties of the PDLC array 218. In configurations where the sheet resistors of FIG. 4C are similar to the sheet resistors of FIG. 4A, the electric field profile can be controlled in a radial direction.

FIG. 4C shows a cross section of an example PDLC stack 220 separated by circular sheet resistors 410 with voltages applied to the inner and outer circumference contacts 420 of each circular sheet resistor 410 such that voltage drops exist between the contacts 420 within the sheet resistors 410. The voltage differentials between the sheet resistors create an electric field E 460 that controls the refractive index of the PDLC arrays 218 between the variable resistors 410. Controlling the electric field profiles(s) with the applied voltage(s) controls the aggregate refractive index n(E) of the PDLC stack 220 to affect the optical characteristics of the PDLC stack 220.

The illustrated example of FIG. 4C is a demonstration of a possible PDLC stack according to one example embodiment. The PDLC arrays 218, contacts 420, and applied voltages 214 can take any shape/size and can be in any configuration. For example, each PDLC array 218 of the PDLC stack 220 can have any number of PDLC layers 212 (e.g. 1, 2, 3, . . . n) with each PDLC layer 212 having any number of characteristics and optical properties. The PDLC stack 220 can have any number of PDLC arrays 218 separated by any number of circular sheet resistors 410 and can have any number of characteristics and optical properties. The PDLC arrays 218 and circular sheet resistors 410 can be any shape or orientation and have any number of electrical contacts 420. There can be any number of voltage sources 214 and any number of potential differences between the circular sheet resistors 410 such that the electric fields 460 can be any number of electric field profiles of the PDLC array(s). The electric field profile(s) control the aggregate refractive index and optical characteristics of the PDLC stack 220. There can be any number or type of electric field profiles to control the aggregate refractive index. As examples, the electric fields 460 of FIG. 4C can be in any direction, be continuously variable on E, be discretely variable on E, be in different directions, be non-perpendicular to the PDLC layers, etc.

Holographic PDLC Diffraction Grating

In some configurations, PDLC arrays can be configured such that the layers of the array are ‘written into’ the PDLC array, i.e. the optical characteristics of each layer of the PDLC array are configured during fabrication. One example of this is holographic PDLCs, i.e. H-PDLCs. Generally, H-PDLC structures are created in a liquid crystal cell filled with polymer-dispersed liquid crystal materials by recording the interference pattern generated by two or more light sources for a fast and single-step fabrication. With a relatively ideal phase separation between liquid crystals and polymers, periodic refractive index profile is formed in the cell and thus light can be diffracted. Under a suitable electric field, the light diffraction behavior disappears due to the index matching between liquid crystals and polymers. H-PDLCs show a fast switching time due to the small size of the liquid crystal droplets.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate different views of the same three dimensional structure. Additionally, FIGS. 5D-5F illustrate different views of the same three dimensional structure.

FIG. 5A shows a planar view of a H-PDLC diffraction grating 510 (i.e. a PDLC array 218) rotationally symmetric about the optical axis 512. In the illustrated embodiment, the H-PDLC is substantially rectangular in shape and the PDLC layers 212 of the H-PDLC diffraction grating 510 are alternate layers in a PDLC layer array 218.

FIG. 5B shows a cross sectional view of a rotationally symmetric holographic H-PDLC diffraction grating 510 along the x axis 514 and FIG. 5C shows a cross sectional view of a rotationally symmetric H-PDLC diffraction grating 510 along the y axis 516. In the illustrated embodiment, the layers of the PDLC array have arc-shaped cross-sections in the x 514 and y 516 directions with each layer's respective peak being aligned with the optical axis 512. While not shown, all cross-sections passing through the optical axis have peaks aligned with the optical axis 512.

As the shape of the H-PDLC grating is substantially rectangular, some layers of the H-PDLC array are truncated at the edges of the rectangular structure. Further, as the layers of the H-PDLC are rotationally symmetric about the optical axis (i.e. out of page) the layers form concentric circles when viewed along the optical axis 512 (as in FIG. 5A).

FIG. 5D shows a planar view of a holographic PDLC diffraction grating 550 symmetric about two axes. In the illustrated embodiment, the H-PDLC is substantially rectangular in shape and the PDLC layers 212 are alternate layers in a PDLC layer array 218.

FIG. 5E shows a cross sectional view of a holographic PDLC diffraction grating that is symmetric about two axes along the x axis. FIG. 5F shows a cross sectional view a holographic grating that is symmetric about two axes along the y axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the layers of the PDLC array have arc-shaped cross-sections in the x axis 514 with each layer's respective peak being aligned with the optical axis. The layers of the PDLC array have linear cross-sections in the y axis 516 with each layer substantially parallel to the next. One skilled in the art will note that the x and y axis in this embodiment of a holographic PDLC diffraction grating 550 are interchangeable.

As the shape of the H-PDLC grating is substantially rectangular, some layers of the H-PDLC array are truncated at the edges of the rectangular structure. Further, as the layers of the H-PDLC are symmetric about the x and y axis with one axis having an arc-shaped cross section such that the layers form rectangles when viewed along the optical axis (as in FIG. 5D).

While the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 5A-5F do not show electrical contacts, there can be any number and configuration of electrical contacts (e.g. electrodes or sheet resistors) contacting the PDLC layers (e.g. individual PDLC layers or groups of PDLC layers). For example, there can be an electrical contact on any surface of the H-PDLC diffraction grating (e.g. the bottom surface, the top surface, etc.). As an alternate example, each layer of the H-PDLC can be independently contacted with edge contacts as previously described. In another embodiment, the electrical contacts can in close proximity to the H-PDLC such that contacts can still be used to tune the optical properties of the H-PDLC layers via an induced electric field.

The electrical contacts contacting (or in proximity to) the H-PDLC diffraction grating are used to generate, control, and tune an electric field throughout the H-PDLC diffraction grating as previously described. The electric field E controls the optical properties and refractive index of the H-PDLC diffraction grating. These optical properties can include: angle of diffracted light, angle of incident light that is reflected, the angle that the reflected/diffract light reflects/diffracts at, transmitting light at a transmission angle, allowing angles of incident light to be transmitted, magnitude of transmission of incident light, polarity of transmitted light, wavelength of light that is diffracted or reflected, wavelength of the light transmitted, or any other optical characteristic of a diffraction grating.

In some configurations, the applied electric can be a uniform electric field between two contacts (either electrodes or sheet resistors). In other configurations the applied electric field can be a radially dependent electric field, a linearly dependent electric field, a discontinuously variable electric field, or any other type or combination of electric field as previously described.

For example, in one embodiment, the H-PDLC diffraction grating can be configured to allow the transmission of certain optical wavelengths of the light incident upon the H-PDLC diffraction grating along the optical axis while diffracting other wavelengths of light askew from the optical axis. These wavelengths can be groups (e.g. optical, infrared, ultraviolet, 210-250 nm) or can be more specific wavelengths (e.g. red, 450 nm). In one example use case, a broad spectrum of wavelengths is incident upon the H-PDLC diffraction grating. Without a voltage applied to the H-PDLC grating, the diffraction grating allows all of the incident light to pass through the grating. When a voltage is applied to the H-PDLC grating, the refractive index of the grating is configured to allow visible wavelengths past the grating while reflecting infrared wavelengths.

Additionally, while the illustrated examples of FIGS. 5A-5F are substantially rectangular in shape, the H-PDLC structure can take any shape that can be used in a camera system such as: cylindrical, conical, a pyramid, a rectangular prism, etc. Further, FIGS. 5A-5F show the repetition of two PDLC layers, however the H-PDLC grating can have any number of repeating (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3, . . . ) layers. Additionally, the repetition of the layers can be take any ordering and is not limited to repeating alternate layers (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, etc.) so long as the H-PDLC grating functions as a diffraction grating.

In one embodiment, the H-PDLC is configured to be directly coupled to other elements of a camera system along the optical axis (e.g. to the front side of a lens).

Tunable PDLC in an Lens Tube

Generally, the tunable PDLC optical elements are configured to function in a camera system. The tunable PDLC can be used in a lens tube for a camera system and can be in any position within the lens tube within an integrated image sensor system of a camera. An integrated image sensor and lens assembly may comprise a lens barrel holding a set of camera lens elements coupled to a lens mount. The lens mount is further coupled to an image sensor substrate that has an image sensor lying on an image plane. The optical distance between the set of lenses and the image sensor is tuned such that the focal plane of the lenses coincides with the image plane.

As an example, FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an integrated image sensor substrate and camera lens system configuration 600 that may include a camera lens barrel 610, a camera lens mount 620, and an image sensor substrate 630, and a tunable optical element 670, and electrical contacts 680. The image sensor substrate 630 may have an image sensor assembly 640 for capturing images and/or video. The camera lens mount 620 may be physically affixed to the image sensor substrate 630 and also affixed to the camera lens barrel 610.

The lens barrel 610 may comprise one or more lens elements or other lens elements 612 to direct light to the image sensor assembly 630. The lens barrel 610 might be affixed to the lens mount 620 with a threaded joint at the end of the barrel arms 614 positioned to minimize the thermal shift of the focal plane relative to the image plane 650. The lens barrel 610 may comprise a lower portion 616, one or more barrel arms 614, and a lens window (which may be one of the lens elements 612). The lower portion 616 of the lens barrel 610 can be substantially cylindrical and structured to at least partially extend into the channel of the lens tube 622 portion of the camera lens mount 620. The barrel arms 614 may extend radially from the body of the lens barrel 610 and may be outside the channel of the lens mount 620 when assembled. The lens arms 614 may be used to physically couple the lens barrel 610 to the camera body 102 (not shown). The lens window might include optical components to enable external light to enter the lens barrel 610 and be directed to the image sensor assembly 640. The camera lens mount 620 may include a tube portion 622 that extends away from the image sensor assembly along the optical axis 660 and may include a substantially cylindrical channel for receiving the lens barrel 610. The back portion of the lens barrel 616 can be used for axial alignment relative to the lens mount 620.

The image sensor substrate 630 may comprise a printed circuit board for mounting the image sensor assembly 640 and may furthermore include various electronic components that operate with the image sensor assembly 640 or provide external connections to other components of the camera system. The image sensor assembly 640 might house an image sensor (e.g., a high-definition image sensor) for capturing images and/or video and may include structural elements for physically coupling the image sensor assembly 640 to the image sensor substrate 630 and to the camera lens mount 620. The image sensor of the image sensor assembly 640 might lie on an image plane 650. The combined focal plane of the lens elements 612 including the lens window and lens elements inside barrel 616 may be maintained to coincide with the image plane 650.

The lens barrel also includes a tunable optical element (e.g. a tunable diffraction grating) 670 between two lens elements 612 within the lens barrel 600. The tunable optical element 670 is coupled to the lens mount 620 such the tunable optical element 670 is centered about the optical axis 650. The tunable optical element is further coupled to electrical contacts such that when a voltage applied between the contacts configures the optical characteristics of the tunable optical element. In the illustrated embodiments, light 690 is incident upon the optical elements 612 and focused within the lens tube. The light is the incident upon the tunable optical element 670. The electrical contacts 680 have applied a voltage to the tunable optical element to configure the tunable optical element to allow wavelengths between 650-670 nm to pass through the tunable optical element while diffracting all other wavelengths of light 692. The tunable optical element 680 is further configured to on transmit incident light 694 that is parallel to the optical axes 660 while diffracting all other incident light 696. The optical properties of the tunable optical element 670 can be configured in any number of manners previously described.

Example Camera System Configuration

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a system level example camera architecture 700 corresponding to the camera demonstrated in FIGS. 7A-7D. The camera architecture 700 may include a thermal management system for a camera battery. The thermal management system may be configured for operation in low ambient temperature environments. The camera architecture 700 may include a camera core 710, a system controller 720, a system memory 730, an I/O interface 740, an audio subsystem 750, sensors 760, a control/display subsystem 770, a battery assembly 770, and a heat coupler 790. The camera core may include a lens 712, an image sensor 714, and an image processor 716, and a tunable element controller 718.

The components in FIG. 7 are grouped functionally and do not necessarily reflect a physical architecture of the camera architecture 700. For example, as described above, in one embodiment, the control/display subsystem 770 is embodied in a separate physical integrated circuit chip from the image processor 716. The integrated circuit chip including the image processor 716 also may include, for example, the image sensor 712, the system controller 720, the tunable element controller 718, system memory 730 and portions of the audio sub-system 750, I/O interface 740, and control/display sub-system 770.

In the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the camera architecture 700 has a camera core 710 that may include a lens 712, an image sensor 714, and an image processor 716, and tunable element controller 71. The camera architecture 700 additionally may include a system controller 720 (e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor) that controls the operation and functionality of the camera architecture 700. The camera architecture 700 may include system memory 730 configured to store executable computer instructions that, when executed by the system controller 720 and/or the image processors 716, perform the camera functionalities described hereafter. In some example embodiments, a camera architecture 700 may include multiple camera cores 710 to capture fields of view in different directions which may then be stitched together to form a cohesive image. For example, in an embodiment of a spherical camera system, the camera architecture 700 may include two camera cores 710 each having a hemispherical or hyper hemispherical lens that each capture a hemispherical or hyper-hemispherical field of view which are stitched together in post-processing to form a spherical image. In other embodiments, multiple camera cores 710 may operate in separate cameras and be integrated via the I/O interface 740. For example, in an embodiment of a camera array system, the camera architecture may include at least two camera cores on at least two different cameras connected via the I/O interface 740 whose images are stitched together in post-processing to create a larger camera image.

The lens 712 can be, for example, a wide angle lens, hemispherical, or hyper hemispherical lens that focuses light entering the lens to the image sensor 714 which captures images and/or video frames. The image sensor 714 may capture high-definition video having a resolution of, for example, 470p, 720p, 1070p, 4 k, or higher, or any other video resolution. For video, the image sensor 714 may capture video at frame rates of, for example, 30 frames per second, 60 frames per second, or higher, or any other possible frame rates. The image processor 716 performs one or more image processing functions of the captured images or video. For example, the image processor 716 may perform a Bayer transformation, de-mosaicing, noise reduction, image sharpening, image stabilization, rolling shutter artifact reduction, color space conversion, compression, or other in-camera processing functions. The image processor 716 may furthermore perform the timing metric calculations. The timing metric calculations may include determining frame rates, shutter speeds, exposure times, battery lifetimes, rate of change of battery lifetimes, time stamping of image, or similar. Processed images and video may be temporarily or persistently stored to system memory 730 and/or to a non-volatile storage, which may be in the form of internal storage or an external memory card. Additionally, the image processor may be configured to capture video or images and not store them in the system memory 730.

The tunable element controller 718, can be any element of the camera configured to control the optical characteristics of the tunable element of the camera system. This can include a signal processor configured to interpret control signals and apply voltages to electrodes coupled to the tunable element of the camera system. Generally, the tunable element controller 718 interprets the control signals and applies a voltage to the electrodes such that the electric field profiles of the tunable element configures to tunable element to achieve a desired optical property or refractive index. The tunable element controller 718 can also be coupled to other components of the camera system 700 to further control the tunable element.

An input/output (I/O) interface 740 may transmit and receive data from various external devices. For example, the I/O interface 740 may facilitate the receiving or transmitting video or audio information through an I/O port. Examples of I/O ports or interfaces include USB ports, HDMI ports, Ethernet ports, audio ports, and the like. Furthermore, embodiments of the I/O interface 740 may include wireless ports that can accommodate wireless connections. Examples of wireless ports include Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Near Field Communication (NFC), and the like. The I/O interface 740 may also include an interface to synchronize the camera architecture 700 with other cameras or with other external devices, such as a remote control, a second camera, a smartphone, a client device, or a video server.

Sensors 760 may capture various metadata concurrently with, or separately from, video capture. For example, the sensors 760 may capture time-stamped location information based on a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, and/or an altimeter. Other sensors 760 may be used to detect and capture orientation of the camera architecture 700 including, for example, an orientation sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a magnetometer. Additional sensors may be used to detect and capture information about the camera system such as internal or external temperature of camera components such as the camera core, the system controller or the battery assembly. The sensors may additionally detect the presence of liquids within or external to the camera body or the proximity of liquids to camera components. The sensors may also be configured to monitor the integrity of camera components such as microphones, speakers, membranes, lenses, or any other component of the camera coupled to a sensor. The sensors may also comprise components capable of monitoring position, pressure, time, velocity, acceleration or similar.

Sensor data captured from the various sensors 760 may be processed to generate other types of metadata. For example, sensor data from the accelerometer may be used to generate motion metadata, comprising velocity and/or acceleration vectors representative of motion of the camera architecture 700. Sensor data from a GPS sensor can provide GPS coordinates identifying the location of the camera architecture 700, and the altimeter can measure the altitude of the camera architecture 700. In one embodiment, the sensors 760 are rigidly coupled to the camera architecture 700 such that any motion, orientation or change in location experienced by the camera architecture 700 is also experienced by the sensors 760. The sensors 760 furthermore may associate a time stamp representing when the data was captured by each sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors 760 automatically begin collecting sensor metadata when the camera architecture 700 begins recording a video. In still other embodiments the sensors may be external to the camera body and transmit the sensor data or sensor metadata to the camera via the I/O interface 740.

A control/display subsystem 770 includes various control and display components associated with operation of the camera architecture 700 including, for example, LED lights, a display, buttons, microphones, speakers, and the like. The audio subsystem 750 includes, for example, one or more microphones and one or more audio processors to capture and process audio data correlated with video capture. In one embodiment, the audio subsystem 750 includes a microphone array having two or more microphones arranged to obtain directional audio signals.

The battery assembly 770 may include power cells for powering various components of the camera system. For example the power cells may be a Lithium-Ion battery, a Nickel-Cadmium battery, a Nickel-metal-Hydride battery, a Lithium-Polymer battery, a Lead-Acid battery, a solar-cell, a power cord to an external power source, a kinetic power generation system, or any other component used to power an electrical system. The battery assembly may be configured to be controlled by the system controller 720, with the system controller dictating which components of the camera sub-systems and components will receive power during operation. The battery assembly 770 may be controlled by various input mechanisms (such as buttons, switches, and touch-screen mechanisms) on the external body of the camera or by directions received via the I/O interface 160. Additionally, the battery assembly 770 may be removable from the camera system to allow for recharging the power cells of the battery assembly or replacing the current battery assembly 770 with a different battery assembly 770.

Additional Configuration Considerations

The tunable optical element created with tunable polymer dispersed liquid crystal layers can be, generally, much smaller than their traditional optical element counterparts. The size of the optical elements allows for an increase in camera functionality as cameras and their associated optical suites miniaturize. For example, the tunable optical elements presented above can be on the order of several microns while their traditional optical counterparts can be on the order of millimeters.

Throughout this specification, some embodiments have used the expression “coupled” along with its derivatives. The term “coupled” as used herein is not necessarily limited to two or more elements being in direct physical or electrical contact. Rather, the term “coupled” may also encompass two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other, or are structured to provide a thermal conduction path between the elements.

Likewise, as used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs the disclosed embodiments as disclosed from the principles herein. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A camera system including

an image sensor assembly configured to capture images, the image sensor assembly centered about an optical axis;

a tunable optical element for focusing light onto the image sensor assembly, the tunable optical element a substantially rectangular block having a bottom side and a top side centered about the optical axis comprising: a first plurality of layers of a first material, wherein a first polarization of the first material is controllable by an applied electric field, each layer of the first plurality of layers having a first refractive index controllable by the first polarization of the first material in the first plurality of layers, a second plurality of layers of a second material, wherein each layer of the second plurality of layers has a second refractive index controllable by a second polarization of the second material in the second plurality of layers, wherein the first and second plurality of layers are alternately layered in a layer stack of the tunable optical element, and wherein each of the first and the second plurality of layers have at least one respective arc-shaped cross sections having respective peaks aligned with the optical axis; and a first control element coupled to the tunable optical element for applying a voltage differential to the first plurality of layers, the voltage differential creating the electric field controlling the first refractive index of the first plurality of layers of the tunable optical element.

2. The camera system of claim 1,

wherein the second polarization of the second plurality of layers is controllable by a second applied electric field; and

wherein the camera system further comprises a second control element coupled to the tunable optical element for applying a second voltage to the second plurality of layers, the second voltage differential creating the second applied electric field controlling the second refractive index of second plurality of layers of the tunable optical element.

3. The camera system of claim 1 wherein the first control element is coupled to the first plurality of layers and not the second plurality of layers.

4. The camera system of claim 1 wherein the first control element is coupled to two opposing surfaces of the tunable optical element.

5. The camera system of claim 1 wherein the first control element is a sheet resistor.

6. The camera system of claim 1 wherein the first material of the first plurality of layers is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal.

7. The camera system of claim 2 wherein the second material of the second plurality of layers is a polymer dispersed liquid crystal.

8. The camera system of 1 comprising a lens tube, the lens tube comprising optical elements that focus light from external the camera body onto the image sensor.

9. The camera system of 8 wherein the tunable optical element is coupled to the lens tube.

10. The camera system of 1 wherein the tunable optical element is a diffraction grating.

11. The camera system of 1 wherein the tunable optical element transmits a first wavelength of light and reflects a second wavelength of light.

12. The camera system of 1 wherein the tunable optical element transmits light parallel to the optical axis while reflecting light not parallel to the optical axis.

13. The camera system of 1 wherein the tunable optical element has a first set of optical characteristics when the first voltage is applied to the tunable optical element and a second set of optical characteristics when a different voltage is applied to the tunable optical element.

14. A tunable optical element comprising:

a first plurality of layers of a first material, wherein a first polarization of the first material is controllable by an applied electric field, each layer of the first plurality of layers having a first refractive index controllable by the first polarization of the first material in the first plurality of layers;

a second plurality of layers of a second material, wherein each layer of the second plurality of layers has a second refractive index controllable by a second polarization of the second material in the second plurality of layers,

wherein the first and second plurality of layers are alternately layered in a layer stack of the tunable optical element;

wherein the tunable optical element that is substantially rectangular block having a bottom side, and a top side centered about an optical axis;

wherein each of the first and the second plurality of layers have at least one respective arc-shaped cross sections having respective peaks aligned with the optical axis; and

a first control element coupled to the tunable optical element for applying a voltage differential to the first plurality of layers, the voltage differential creating the electric field controlling the first refractive index of the first plurality of layers of the tunable optical element.

15. The tunable optical element of claim 14,

wherein the second polarization of the second plurality of layers is controllable by a second applied electric field; and

wherein the camera system further comprises a second control element coupled to the tunable optical element for applying a second voltage to the second plurality of layers, the second voltage differential creating the second applied electric field controlling the second refractive index of second plurality of layers of the tunable optical element.

16. The tunable optical element of claim 14 wherein the tunable optical element transmits light parallel to the optical axis while reflecting light not parallel to the optical axis.

17. A camera system including

an image sensor assembly configured to capture images, the image sensor assembly centered about an optical axis;

a tunable optical element for focusing light onto the image sensor assembly, the tunable optical element a substantially rectangular block having a bottom side, and a top side centered about the optical axis comprising: a first plurality of layers of a first material, wherein a first refractive index of the first material is controllable by an applied electric field, each layer of the first plurality of layers having the first refractive index; a second plurality of layers of a second material, wherein each layer of the second plurality of layers has a second refractive index; wherein the first and second plurality of layers are alternately layered in a layer stack of the tunable optical element, and wherein each of the first and the second plurality of layers have at least one respective arc-shaped cross sections having respective peaks aligned with the optical axis; and

a first control element coupled to the tunable optical element for applying a voltage differential to the first plurality of layers, the voltage differential creating the electric field controlling the first refractive index of the first plurality of layers of the tunable optical element.

18. The camera system of claim 17,

wherein the second refractive index of the second plurality of layers is controllable by a second applied electric field; and

wherein the camera system further comprises a second control element coupled to the tunable optical element for applying a second voltage to the second plurality of layers, the second voltage differential creating the second applied electric field controlling the refractive index of the second plurality of layers of the tunable optical element.

19. The camera system of claim 17,

wherein the first material has a first polarization associated with the first refractive index and the applied electric field controls the first polarization.

20. The camera system of claim 18,

wherein the second material has a second polarization associated with the second refractive index and the second applied electric field controls the second polarization.