Abstract: Colored fluids for electrowetting, electrofluidic, and electrophoretic chromatophore devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, the colored fluid includes at least one solvent and at least one oligomeric and/or polymeric dye in the solvent. The oligomeric dye has at least one chromophore attached to one or more oligomeric chains, and the polymeric dye has at least one chromophore attached to one or more oligomeric and/or polymeric chains. The dye also has a molecular weight from 400 to 100,000, solubility in the solvent of at least 5% wt at 25° C., and a dynamic viscosity from 0.5 cPs to 2,000 cPs at 25° C. The solvent may be polar or non-polar each having specific properties defined.

Abstract: A zoom lens array, including a liquid crystal layer, a first strip electrode, and a second strip electrode, is provided. The liquid crystal layer has a plurality of zoom regions. The first strip electrode is disposed on an upper side of the liquid crystal layer and located at the boundary between the zoom regions. The second strip electrode is disposed on a lower side of the liquid crystal layer and located at the boundary between the zoom regions. The first strip electrode and the second strip electrode are alternatively arranged. Moreover, a switchable two and three dimensional display with the above zoom lens array is also provided.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes, a plurality of lens units arranged along an optical axis and configured to move from a wide angle end to a telephoto end during a zooming operation of the zoom lens; a first refractive power variable element whose refractive power is changed in a positive direction by changing shapes of boundary surfaces of different media when zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end; and a second refractive power variable element whose refractive power is changed in a negative direction by changing shapes of boundary surfaces of different media when zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end. When zooming from the wide-angle end to the telephoto end, imaging magnifications of the first refractive power variable element and the second refractive power variable element are increased.

Abstract: A fluidic viewfinder device may include a support member having an opening forming an aperture and a fluidic lens disposed at least partially in communication with the aperture and support member. The fluidic lens may comprise a first optical surface and a second optical surface, one or more of which includes an elastic membrane. A fluid may be enclosed in at least a portion of the fluidic lens. The optical properties of the fluidic lens may be changed by displacement of the fluid, e.g., due to movement of a slide member or a rotating yoke.

Abstract: An embodiment of a piezoelectric actuator system for a fluid-filled lens is described herein. A piezoelectric reservoir is provided encompassing a fluid. In an embodiment, the reservoir is disposed around the perimeter of a lens module within a housing. In an embodiment, electrodes are woven into the reservoir and connected to a power source. An applied potential causes the reservoir to flex with a magnitude and direction related to the amplitude and polarity respectively of the potential. In an embodiment, flexing of the reservoir causes fluid to either inflate or deflate the fluid-filled lens module.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first liquid having polarity or electrical conductivity, a second liquid that is immiscible with the first liquid, a first substrate portion, a second substrate portion, a sidewall portion connecting the first substrate portion to the second substrate portion, and an accommodating portion constituted by the first substrate portion, the second substrate portion, and the sidewall portion and sealing the first liquid and the second liquid therein. The first substrate portion includes a first electrode, the second substrate portion includes a second electrode, and the sidewall portion includes a third electrode.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may include an optical surface configured for deflection dominated by bending stress. An adjustable concentric load may be applied to the optical surface to cause a clear aperture region of the optical surface to deflect with generally spherical curvature. Adjusting the concentric load controls the radius of curvature. An adjustable uniformly-distributed load may be applied to the optical surface by fluid pressure that causes the clear aperture region to deflect with an aspheric shape. Adjusting the pressure controls the asphericity of curvature. First and second fluids having similar densities and different refractive indexes may be disposed on either side of a deflectable optical surface to help balance gravitational loading on either side of the optical surface, thereby reducing gravity-associated aberrations.

Abstract: A varifocal lens structure and a method of manufacturing the same, the varifocal lens structure including: a frame having a fluid chamber filled with an optical fluid and formed of polymethylsiloxane (PDMS) containing a predetermined fluid; a transparent cover disposed on a top surface of the frame so as to cover the fluid chamber; a transparent elastic membrane disposed on a bottom surface of the frame so as to form a lower wall of the fluid chamber; and an actuator disposed on the elastic membrane.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems and components enable an enhanced direct-viewing optical device to make customized adjustments that accommodate various optical aberrations of a current user. In some instances a real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements is based on known corrective optical parameters associated with a current user. In some implementations a control module may process currently updated wavefront measurements as a basis for determining appropriate real-time adjustment of the transformable optical elements to produce a specified change in optical wavefront at an exit pupil of the direct-viewing device. Possible transformable optical elements may have refractive and/or reflective and/or diffractive and/or transmissive characteristics that are adjusted based on current performance viewing factors for a given field of view of the direct-viewing device.

Abstract: A lens array according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first upper lattice plate including a plurality of first upper lattices; a first lower lattice plate including a plurality of first lower lattices; a first membrane disposed between the first upper lattice plate and the first lower lattice plate; a transparent liquid filled in the first lower lattice plate; and a hydraulic pressure controller positioned in the first lower lattice plate, wherein the first upper lattice and the first lower lattice are engaged with each other, thereby forming a plurality of first regions.

Abstract: Composite hydrogels and methods for making and using the composite hydrogels are provided. The composite hydrogels comprise graphene oxide flakes distributed in, and covalently bonded to, a thermo-responsive hydrogel polymer.

Abstract: A valve device for a variable lens comprises: an inlet for receiving fluid from a reservoir; an outlet for passing fluid to a lens cavity; and a valve member, the valve member comprising a passageway for fluid communication between the inlet and outlet and a valve for closing the passageway; wherein the valve is actuated by turning the valve member about an axis of rotation and the passageway extends along the valve member in the axial direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a variable focus lens formed from a ring with a front surface and a rear surface, a flexible membrane is attached to a radially inner part of the front surface, and a front cover is attached to a radially outer part of the front surface, a rear cover is provided on the rear surface of the ring, preferably integral with the ring, so that a variable volume cavity is defined between the flexible membrane, the ring and the rear cover, second flexible membrane can be provided between the ring and the rear cover, where the invention also provides a method of filling a variable focus lens, and an adjustment mechanism for varying the focus of the lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active matrix with data driver circuit and selection driver circuit, where the active matrix is electrically connected with the driver circuits and where it comprises electrowetting cells (EW cells) arranged in rows and columns. An EW cell comprises at least two electrodes, which are connected through at least one transistor with data lines and row lines of the driver circuits. The electrodes which are provided for controlling the EW cell are connected with the same data line and with two different control lines, where the selection driver circuit simultaneously activates the transistors which are connected with the individual selection lines by control signals and where it connects the electrodes of the respective EW cell locally so to achieve a medium voltage value.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a fluid mixture for electrowetting in a device that is suitable for this. According to the invention, the fluid mixture consists of at least two components, namely an electrically inducible liquid and an electrically inert fluid. These two components form a bi- or multiphasic mixture. The electrically inducible liquid responds to a change of an electric field that surrounds it or completely or partly permeates it, in such way that it changes its surface tension so that its form is changed too, particularly if only parts of its surface are permeated by the electric field, or if the field strength is distributed not homogenously. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the electrically inducible liquid consists of propylene carbonate.

Abstract: A fluidic lens and method for manufacturing the same are provided. The fluidic lens includes a transparent optical fluid and a double elastomer membrane. An outer membrane of the double elastomer membrane that is externally exposed includes a Poly DiMethyl Siloxane (PDMS) elastomer, and an inner membrane of the double elastomer membrane that makes contact with the optical fluid is transparent and includes an elastomer which has a low coherence with respect to the optical fluid.

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: The invention discloses liquid combination for liquid lens. The liquid combination comprises an oil phase liquid and an aqueous phase liquid. The oil phase liquid comprises a silicon oil polymerized by siloxane. The aqueous phase liquid comprises a solution mixed with alcohol and water. Due to the liquid lens atomized and opaque by emulsion, the recovering time of the liquid lens from the emulsion will affect the performance of the liquid lens hugely. Accordingly, the recovering time is a performance index of the liquid lens. The liquid combination of the invention for the liquid lens can meet the specification and have the fast speed which is recovered from the emulsion.

Abstract: Device including a membrane and a support defining a cavity containing a fluid, where the membrane includes an anchoring area to the support, a central area able to be deformed following a displacement of fluid and an actuation area between the anchoring and central areas, and means of actuation to apply stress to the membrane in the actuation area and cause a displacement of the fluid to the central area following an actuation. The cavity includes a main chamber in the central area and a peripheral chamber in the actuation area communicating with the main chamber. The peripheral chamber includes at least one forced flow structure favoring the flow of at least a part of the fluid from the peripheral chamber to the main chamber or vice versa following the actuation. A given forced flow structure has no attachment both to the support and to the membrane.

Abstract: A stereoscopic display is provided. The stereoscopic display is able to control a viewing position and make a viewing angel wide. On top of a display panel, an image is provided through a plurality of pixels and is separated to a left-eye image and a right-eye image by a lenticular lens. An elastic membrane prism array controls an angle of emitted light. An elastic membrane prism array is disposed on the lenticular lens or on and under the lenticular lens. The elastic membrane prism array includes a prism body having a first chamber and a second chamber, a wall disposed between the first and second chamber, a prism plate connected to the wall, a piston adapted for moving back-and-forth and a transporting tube disposed between the piston and the prism body.

Abstract: Provided is a scanning near-field optical microscope capable of obtaining, in a highly sensitive manner, optical information having a spatial frequency higher than a spatial frequency corresponding to a wavelength of irradiation light. A scanning near-field optical microscope 100 according to the present invention includes: a light irradiating part 102 for emitting illumination light toward a sample 107; a light receiving part 112 for receiving light; a microstructure for generating or selectively transmitting near-field light, the microstructure being disposed on at least one of an emission side of the light irradiating part 102 and an incident side of the light receiving part 112; and an ultrahigh-wavenumber transmitting medium 108 for transmitting near-field light, the ultrahigh-wavenumber transmitting medium exhibiting anisotropy in permittivity or permeability.

Abstract: A controllable optical device comprises a first substrate, a first conductive layer, a liquid crystal layer, a semiconductor conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and a second substrate. The first conductive layer is formed on the first substrate, the liquid crystal layer is formed on the first conductive layer, the semiconductor conductive layer is formed on the liquid crystal layer, the second conductive layer is formed on the semiconductor layer, and the second substrate is formed on the second conductive layer.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first substrate which is transparent to incident light, a second substrate which is transparent to incident light, and a frame member which connects the first substrate to the second substrate. A lens chamber surrounded by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the frame member is filled with first and second liquids constituting a liquid lens. A region composed of an inorganic material and a region composed of an organic material coexist in the inner surface of the first substrate and the inner surface of the frame member. A first insulating layer composed of an inorganic material, an adhesion layer composed of an organic material, and a second insulating layer composed of an organic material are stacked in that order on the inner surface of the first substrate and the inner surface of the frame member.

Abstract: An electrowetting device includes: a substrate having a non-hydrophobic insulating layer; a surrounding wall formed on an upper surface of the insulating layer; a microchamber surrounded by an inner surface of the surrounding wall and formed over the upper surface of the insulating layer; a hydrophobic coating layer that is applied to the inner surface of the surrounding wall and the upper surface of the insulating layer and that covers a seam between the inner surface and the upper surface; and a liquid disposed in the microchamber and on the hydrophobic coating layer.

Abstract: An optical and mechanical design of a sealed, non-round fluid-filled lens capable of providing variation of optical power. The fluid lens includes at least three optical components: at least one mostly rigid optical disc, at least one mostly flexible optical membrane and a layer of a transparent fluid that is in communication via a fluid channel with a reservoir of excess fluid contained in a reservoir that can be accessed to augment the fluid volume inside the fluid lens to change the power of the fluid lens. The fluid lens is capable of providing correction of spherical and astigmatic errors, and utilizes contoured membranes to minimize image aberrations.

Abstract: There is provided an optical element including first and second substrates that are disposed to face each other; a pair of wall portions that are erected on an inner surface of the first substrate facing the second substrate to be adjacent to each other in a first direction and extend in a second direction different from the first direction; first and second electrodes that are disposed on wall surfaces of the pair of wall portions to be insulated from each other and face each other and are provided to be apart from the first substrate; an insulating film that covers the first and second electrodes; a third electrode that is provided on an inner surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate; and a polar liquid and a non-polar liquid that are sealed between the first substrate and the second substrate and have different refractive indexes.

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: An image capturing device includes an image capturing element that performs photoelectric conversion of light from an object and outputs a pixel signal, a lens unit that forms images on the image capturing element based on light from the object, and an optical shift mechanism that displaces optical images formed on a light-receiving surface of the image capturing element relative to the image capturing element. The optical shift mechanism has an optical member provided with a parallel plate that is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the lens unit and rotated around the optical axis. The optical member is provided in a fluid having a higher refractive index than a refractive index of air.

Abstract: A wafer-level passivation structure of a micro-device, a micro-device including the same, and methods of manufacturing the wafer-level passivation structure and the micro-device may be provided. In particular, the passivation structure may include a spacer that is disposed on a substrate, covers a portion of the first surface, and has an elastic property, and an anti-adhesion layer that is disposed on a surface of the substrate between the spacer. The spacer may form a lattice pattern. The spacer may be formed of a silicon. The anti-adhesion layer may be a metallic film, an oxide film, or a nitride film.

Abstract: A system for controlling an infrared light distribution pattern that includes an electrowetting lens arranged proximate to an infrared light source, and operable to vary a distribution pattern of infrared light from the infrared light source into an area; an electrowetting shutter overlaying the electrowetting lens, and operable to an opaque state where infrared light from the infrared light source is blocked from projecting into at least a portion of the area, and operable to a transparent state where infrared light passes through the electrowetting shutter; an object detector configured to detect an object in the area; and a controller configured to receive a detection signal from the object detector, and operate the electrowetting lens and the electrowetting shutter in order to control the infrared light distribution pattern based on a location of the object. The pattern may be uniform or may be customized for the object being heated.

Abstract: To realize a memory effect in an optical device using the electro wetting effect. An optical device includes: first and second substrates placed opposite each other; a partition provided therebetween; a first electrode provided on one side of the first substrate, at least a part thereof overlapping with a region surrounded by the partition in a plan view; second and third electrodes provided on one side of the second substrate and which are respectively placed opposite the first electrode across the region surrounded by the partition; a smoothing layer provided on one side of the second substrate and which covers the second and third electrodes; and first and second fluid, which are incompatible, disposed in the region surrounded by the partition. The first fluid is made of a liquid body possessing polarity or conductivity, and the second fluid is made of a liquid body containing a liquid-crystalline material.

Abstract: A liquid lens includes a vessel having an inner wall and configured to contain liquid, an electrolyte liquid and a non-electrolyte liquid forming an interface therebetween and being contained in the vessel, and a voltage applying unit which applies a voltage to the electrolyte liquid. A shape of the interface between the electrolyte liquid and the non-electrolyte liquid is changed by application of the voltage. The inner wall of the vessel has varying affinity with the non-electrolyte liquid depending on a position on the inner wall where an end of the interface contacts the inner wall; and the affinity on the side of the inner wall where the non-electrolyte liquid is situated is lower than the affinity on the side of the inner wall where the electrolyte liquid is situated.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes a first variable refractive power element that changes a refractive power thereof in a positive direction by changing a shape of an interface between different media during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end; and a second variable refractive power element that changes a refractive power thereof in a negative direction by changing a shape of an interface between different media during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end. An imaging magnification of at least one of the variable refractive power elements increases during zooming from the wide angle end to the telephoto end. Variations in chromatic aberration and other distortions are controlled when predetermined conditional expressions are satisfied.

Abstract: A liquid lens including at least two phase liquids covered with a protection member having transparent portions allowing transmission of light includes an elastic film configured to separate the at least two phase liquids within the protection member, a connection portion configured to connect the protection member to the elastic film, and a movement unit configured to move the connection portion within the protection member.

Abstract: A lens device includes a substrate having a channel and a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The first and second fluid flow paths at least partially in communication with the channel. A light emitting device is positioned adjacent to the channel. At least one first fluid source is in communication with the first fluid path such that a first fluid is moveable along the first fluid path and at least one second fluid source in communication with the second fluid path such that a second fluid is moveable along the second fluid path. The fluid paths are configured so the first fluid and second fluid move through the channel to define an adjustable liquid gradient refractive index distribution in the channel. Adjustment of the liquid gradient refractive index distribution permits a change of liquid lens focal distance or an angular adjustment of light.

Abstract: An optical collector is disclosed which includes an imaging, aplanatic optical element having a front surface with a one-way light admitting portion, a back surface with a reflective portion, and an interior region of refractive material disposed between the front and backs surfaces.

Abstract: A liquid lens in which are contained an insulating first liquid and a conductive second liquid having non-miscibility and different refractive indexes, optical characteristics being changed by a change of an interface shape of the first and second liquids by applying a voltage to an electrode, the lens including: in a surface in contact with an edge of an interface of the first and second liquids, a first region having an affinity for the first liquid; a second region having an affinity different from that of the first liquid; and a voltage applying unit, wherein when the interface shape is changed, by an affinity force to hold the first liquid within the first region and a force to move the edge to the second region by electro-wetting, the edge can be stably held at an edge of the first region.

Abstract: An optical element includes a container including first and second end face walls, a side face wall, and an accommodating chamber inside the walls; first and second liquids enclosed in the chamber; a first electrode provided on a surface of the first end face wall; a second electrode provided on a surface of the second end face wall; an insulating film provided on a surface of the second electrode; and a unit configured to apply a voltage. The shape of an interface between the liquids is changed by a voltage application, and a light transmission path, the center of which is a virtual axis passing through the end face walls in the thickness direction of the container, is formed in a portion of the second liquid. An opening having a diameter the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the transmission path is provided in the first electrode.

Abstract: An optical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) structure is provided. The structure includes an elastomer membrane, a plurality of polymer fibers attached to the elastomer membrane, an array of detectors operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a first end of the plurality of polymer fibers, and a microlens array operatively connected to the plurality of polymer fibers at a second end of the plurality of polymer fibers. A method of manufacturing an optical MEMS structure is provided. The method includes forming a hollow PDMS chamber in which PDMS fibers extend from top to bottom using a lost wax molding process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrowetting element for a display device, a display device and a control system for controlling at least one electrowetting element. The electrowetting element comprises: a radiation valve comprising a first fluid and a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid, wherein the first and second fluids are configurable to change a characteristic of radiation passing through at least one of the first and second fluids; and an electrically switchable part switchable between a reflective mode for reflecting radiation incident on the switchable part and towards the radiation valve, and a transmissive mode for transmitting radiation incident on the switchable part through the switchable part and towards the radiation valve.

Abstract: An electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device which includes a plurality of array elements configured to manipulate one or more droplets of fluid on an array, each of the array elements including a corresponding array element driver circuit, wherein each array element driver circuit includes: a top substrate electrode and a first drive electrode between which the one or more droplets may be positioned, the top substrate electrode being formed on a top substrate, and the first drive electrode being formed on a lower substrate; and circuitry configured to selectively provide drive voltages to the first drive electrode to move the one or more droplets among the plurality of array elements, and wherein at least one of the plurality of array elements includes: a heater element also formed on the lower substrate and configured to heat the one or more droplets when positioned between the top substrate electrode and the first drive electrode of the at least one array element; and circuitry configured to control the h

Abstract: A pattern projecting apparatus usable with a three-dimensional imaging apparatus includes a light generator which emits a light beam, and a pattern adjusting unit disposed in front of the light generator. The pattern adjusting unit forms a projection pattern on an object, and adjusts a focus of the light beam emitted from the light generator.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal compensation for a lens assembly comprising a polymer lens body. Polymers do have different thermal expansion coefficients which makes it necessary to compensate for thermal expansions to keep optical characteristics of such lenses within specifications when used under different environmental conditions. Also, it is necessary to provide thermal compensation during manufacturing of such lenses due to high temperatures during manufacturing steps.

Abstract: An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, and a stereoscopic display device using the same, including first and second substrates arranged opposite each other and including an active region having a plurality of lens regions and a pad region defined at an outer rim of the active region, a plurality of first electrodes formed on the first substrate to correspond to the respective lens regions and spaced apart from one another, a second electrode formed on the entire surface of the second substrate, a voltage source to apply different voltages to the plurality of first electrodes, respectively, and to apply a ground voltage to the second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: There is provided a lens element configured so that optical characteristics thereof remain substantially stable over a range of operating temperatures. In one embodiment, a fluid lens element can be provided that includes a membrane having a formation formed thereon for accommodating changes in characteristics of the lens element attributable to changes in temperature so that an amount of perturbations in the lens element which would otherwise be exhibited with thermal expansion of the membrane are minimized.

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: Varifocal lens for camera module incorporated in wireless mobile communication device is provided. The varifocal lens includes: a membrane; a frame which is fixed to the membrane and has a receiving hole formed in the middle; a transparent substrate which is fixed to the frame to seal optical fluid received in the receiving hole; one or more actuators to change a curvature of a fluid lens part by bending the circumference of the fluid lens part formed around a central portion of the receiving hole; and a restriction lessening member which is adapted to lessen a restrictive force of an edge of the fluid lens part, is made of a transparent material, has with an area smaller than the fluid lens part to correspond to an inner side of the fluid lens part except the edge of the fluid lens part, and has a larger Young's modulus than the membrane.

Abstract: There is described a focusing apparatus having a deformable membrane that at least partially defines a cavity and an optical fluid disposed in the cavity. An actuator assembly can be provided for imparting a force to the deformable membrane. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly can include a piezoelectric actuator.

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: An optical element includes a container including first and second end face walls, a side face wall, and an accommodating chamber inside the walls; first and second liquids enclosed in the chamber; a first electrode provided on a surface of the first end face wall; a second electrode provided on a surface of the second end face wall; an insulating film provided on a surface of the second electrode; and a unit configured to apply a voltage. The shape of an interface between the liquids is changed by a voltage application, and a light transmission path, the center of which is a virtual axis passing through the end face walls in the thickness direction of the container, is formed in a portion of the second liquid. An opening having a diameter the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the transmission path is provided in the first electrode.