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 provide for a substantially constant desired spherical power over a substantially full field of view of a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. The meniscus lens may include an arcuate front curve and back curve lens. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a torus concave from the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (510) having a self illuminating display (200, 202, 204, 206, 300, 512) that reduces both the thickness of known displays and processing steps in the fabrication thereof is provided. The portable electronic device (510) includes an electrowetting display (200, 202, 204, 206, 300, 512) having a plurality of transparent layers defining a cavity (219). A combination of a first fluid (218, 236) and a second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254) are positioned in the cavity. First circuitry (224) is configured to be coupled to a first voltage source (222) for selectively repositioning the second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254) in relation to the first fluid (218, 236). A plurality of quantum dots (208, 360) is positioned within the second fluid (210, 234, 244, 254), and a light source (209, 309) is disposed contiguous to the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A display substrate includes a base substrate, a reflection-polarization member, a first electrode, an insulation layer and a pixel wall. The reflection-polarization member is disposed on the base substrate to reflect and polarize incident light. The first electrode is disposed in a unit pixel area of the reflection-polarization member. The insulation layer is disposed on the first electrode. The pixel wall is disposed on the insulation layer and defines the unit pixel area. Therefore, the entire area of a unit pixel may be used as a reflective area or a transmissive area, and thus an aperture ratio may be improved in a reflection mode or a transmission mode.

Abstract: Fluidic adaptive lens devices containing impermeable elastomer membrane, and systems employing such lens devices, along with methods of fabricating such lens devices, are disclosed. In the embodiments, processes and techniques of creating transparent, impermeable elastomer membranes are disclosed. The membranes thus produced display no or extremely slow permeation for at least one fluid suitable for the fluidic adaptive lenses.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrowetting-on-dielectric device (200). This is an electro wetting device comprising one or more cells, wherein each cell comprises an electrowetting composition of first and second immiscible fluids, the first fluid being an electrolytic solution (240), a first electrode (230), separated from the electrowetting composition by a dielectric (231), and a voltage source (260) for applying an operating voltage difference between the first electrode (230) and the electrolytic solution to operate the electrowetting device. According to the invention, the first electrode (230) of the electrowetting-on-dielectric device (200) comprises a valve metal, and the electrolytic solution (240) is capable of anodizing the valve metal to form a metal oxide at the operating voltage difference. This provides the electrowetting-on-dielectric device (200) with self-repairing properties thereby preventing breakdown of the dielectric.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a liquid lens device includes: preparing a body having a liquid chamber, a conductive first liquid stored in the liquid chamber, an insulating second liquid stored in the liquid chamber, an electrode kept in contact with the first liquid, and a liquid discharge passage for making the communication between the inside and the outside of the liquid chamber; applying pressure to the first and second transparent substrates to thereby compress the sealing member and discharge the first liquid through the liquid discharge passage to the outside of the liquid chamber; and closing the liquid discharge passage.

Abstract: Provided are a varifocal lens having a focal length that may be electrically controlled, and an imaging apparatus including focal length. Varifocal lens includes fluid sealed between two transparent flexible layers. An upper flexible layer is supported by support plate having opening having a lens shape, and vacuum is maintained on upper flexible layer. Portion of lower flexible layer, which faces opening having a lens shape, is fixed by a fixation plate, and a chamber having a predetermined space is formed below the lower flexible layer so as to surround a portion corresponding to the opening having the lens shape. Charged particles are positioned in the chamber. In the varifocal lens, when the charged particles are moved by an electrical field generated in the chamber to compress the lower flexible layer, a lens region of the upper flexible layer protrudes in an upper direction so as to obtain refractive power.

Abstract: A variable focal point lens includes a transparent tank, which comprises a transparent enclosure containing a transparent flexible membrane separating the inner volume of the transparent tank into an upper tank portion and a lower tank portion. The upper tank portion and the lower tank portion contain liquids having different indices of refraction. The transparent flexible membrane is electrostatically displaced to change the thicknesses of the first tank portion and the second tank portion in the path of the light, thereby shifting the focal point of the lens axially and/or laterally. The electrostatic displacement of the membrane may be effected by a fixed charge in the membrane and an array of enclosure-side conductive structures on the transparent enclosure, or an array of membrane-side conductive structures on the transparent membrane and an array of enclosure-side conductive structures.

Abstract: An adjustable fluid type lens system is provided that allows e.g. ultrasound imaging through the lens during adjustment of the lens. The lens includes a container enclosing two immiscible fluids, e.g. water and oil, being in contact with each other at an interface. Incoming waves are then refracted at this interface. The shape of the interface, and thereby the refraction property, is adjustable by adjusting a voltage applied to the lens. The two fluids are selected such that they together exhibit a mechanical damping which is critical or near critical. A control circuit generates the electric voltage for adjusting the refraction from one value to another, the control circuit being arranged to change the electric voltage such that a rate of voltage change is limited to avoid oscillation of the interface, thereby adjusting refraction of incoming waves at the interface in a continuous manner.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.

Abstract: A relay lens assembly (100) for use with a microscope (1400), telescope or binocular (1500), comprises a lens element (300) that is responsive to commands, conveyed from a control unit (400), via a conduit (410) between the control unit and the lens element. A computing device (810) controls operation of the lens assembly and a digital camera (805) that has an image sensor (125). The control unit causes the lens assembly to assume any of a plurality of predetermined focal lengths so that different depths of an object being imaged can be rendered in-focus on the sensor. A series of images can be taken at predetermined, computer-controlled focal depths. These images can be processed in order to create a photomontage that is in focus at a plurality of predetermined depths in a process commonly called focus-stacking. The addition of a plurality of data input and analysis units (1105) and a combiner (1115) makes rapid processing of individual images possible for photomontage at video rates.

Abstract: An electrowetting pixel structure includes a substrate, a hydrophobic dielectric layer, a non-polar liquid, a polar liquid, at least one electrode, and at least one contact hole. The hydrophobic dielectric layer is formed on the substrate, the non-polar liquid covers one surface of the hydrophobic dielectric layer, and the polar liquid is provided on the hydrophobic dielectric layer where the non-polar liquid and the polar liquid are immiscible. The electrode is formed on the substrate and divides the substrate into an electrode section and a non-electrode section. When a voltage is applied to the electrowetting pixel structure, the non-polar liquid contracts on the hydrophobic dielectric layer and is confined to an area substantially overlapping the non-electrode section. The contact hole is formed on the substrate at a position away from the non-electrode section of the electrowetting pixel structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to reducing backflow in an electrowetting element for modifying a radiation beam characteristic. The electrowetting element comprises a first and a second fluid which are immiscible with each other and are switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration by application of a voltage across at least one of the first and second fluids. There is a tendency for backflow of the second fluid from the first configuration to the second configuration when the second fluid is switched to be provided in the first configuration. The electrowetting element comprises a backflow reducer arranged for reducing the backflow of the second fluid from the first configuration to the second configuration when the second fluid is switched to be provided in the first configuration.

Abstract: The display device comprises a plurality of electrowetting elements. Each element comprises walls on a support plate for confining a first fluid to the space of the element. The walls of the electrowetting element cover a wall region of the support plate and the walls enclose a display region of the support plate. Each electrowetting element comprises an electrode arranged on the support plate, the electrodes of the electrowetting elements being coupled to reflective, strip-shaped signal lines, also arranged on the support plate. A first area of the signal lines is arranged in the wall region and a second area of the signal lines is arranged in the display region, where the first area is smaller than the second area.

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 system includes a dynamically focused lens that variably changes focal length to focus light on a material under evaluation at discrete axial depths, and a scanning element that laterally scans the material to focus light on the material at points that are laterally adjacent the axial depth.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid lens capable of adjusting a focus by using an electrical signal and/or a fluid pressure.

Abstract: A display device with a plurality of electrofluidic display cells may be used to display images to a viewer. The electrofluidic display cell could include a transparent electrowetting electrode and a fluid pathway that includes a viewable fluid channel and a fluid reservoir. The viewable fluid channel in each electrofluidic display cell can be controllably filled with a first or second fluid so as to modulate the viewable contrast, reflectance, and/or color of the cell. A photovoltaic device can be integrated within each electrofluidic display cell directly under the viewable fluid channel. Thus, when ambient light is transmitted through the viewable fluid channel, the photovoltaic device could convert at least some of the ambient light into electrical energy. This electrical energy could be used to power the display device or other devices.

Abstract: An optical apparatus such as a varifocal fluidic lens is provided. Optical apparatus includes a spacer frame, optical fluid, an elastic membrane, an actuator, an actuator frame, and a thermally deformable frame. Spacer frame defines an internal space including a lens portion and a driving portion that connect to each other, and the driving portion is disposed to surround the lens portion disposed in the center area of the internal space. Optical fluid is filled in the internal space defined by the spacer frame. The elastic membrane is attached on a surface of the spacer frame, to cover a side of the internal space, and the thermally deformable plate is attached on the other surface of the spacer frame, to cover the other side of the internal space. The thermally deformable plate deforms to increase or decrease a volume of the internal space according to a change in temperature.

Abstract: An optical device includes first and second substrates disposed opposite each other; a partition wall provided upright on an inner surface of the first substrate, facing the second substrate, and extending, to divide a region on the first substrate into cell regions arranged in a first direction, in a second direction different from the first direction; first and second electrodes disposed on wall surfaces of the partition wall to face each other in each of the cell regions; an insulation film; a third electrode provided on an inner surface of the second substrate facing the first substrate; a protruding section formed upright on the inner surface of the second substrate and dividing each of the cell regions into sub cell regions arranged in the second direction; and polarity and non-polarity liquids sealed between the first substrate and the third electrode.

Abstract: An optical device includes: first and second substrates disposed being opposite to each other; a partition wall provided on an inner surface of the first substrate, facing the second substrate, and extending, to divide a region on the first substrate into cell regions which are arranged in a first direction, in a second direction which is different from the first direction; first and second electrodes disposed on wall surfaces of the partition wall to face each other in each of the cell regions; a third electrode provided on an inner surface of the second substrate which faces the first substrate; a protruding section formed upright on the inner surface of the first substrate and dividing each of the cell regions into sub cell regions arranged in the second direction; and polarity and non-polarity liquids sealed between the first substrate and the third electrode and having different refraction indexes.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, transitioning an optical power of a fluidic lens over a substantially continuous range.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a frustum of a cone. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device including: a light-transmitting first main body which constitutes a part on a light incidence side; a light-transmitting second main body which constitutes a part on a light outgoing side; a third main body which is stacked between the first main body and the second main body in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and which defines a liquid chamber between the first main body and the second main body; a lens surface which is formed by an interface between a plurality of liquids differing in refractive index and sealed in the inside of the liquid chamber, and which is electrically deformable; and a jig which clamps the mutually stacked first main body, second main body, and third main body in the second direction by the third engaging part and the fourth engaging part.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a non-powered actuator arm for controlling liquid flow to a fluid-filled lens are described herein. A vertical tweezer assembly compresses a reservoir of solution in a first vertical direction by lateral disposition of a slider mounted on the outside of the housing. The assembly may also be shaped to provide compression of the reservoir in a second horizontal direction by lateral disposition of a slider. In another embodiment, a housing may contain a piston that moves laterally within the housing and collapses the reservoir disposed adjacent to the piston and also within the housing. The housing may contain a plurality of compressible domes which can each be compressed to cause a local compression on the reservoir disposed within the housing. Compression of the reservoir causes liquid inflation of a lens module.

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: A lens is presented in which the lens includes a substrate and an electrode layer. The electrode layer is positioned upon the substrate. The electrode layer has radially alternating rings of electrodes and resistive material. When voltage is applied across two adjacent electrodes the profile of the electric field therebetween is linear. When voltage is applied to the rings of electrodes, the optical phase profile of the lens closely approximates the optical phase of ideal spherical aberration correction.

Abstract: Liquid lens cells are used in a variable power optical system. In one embodiment, a stop is located between a first lens group comprising at least a first liquid lens cell and a second lens group comprising at least a second liquid lens cell. In one embodiment, a liquid lens cell controls an incident angle of light rays on an image surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive a lens adapter; a set of base optics positioned in the proximal end of the base; and adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base and optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Embodiments of a process including forming a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive any one of a plurality of lens adapters; positioning a set of base optics in the proximal end of the base; and positioning adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base such that they are optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A vari-focal fluidic lens is provided. The fluidic lens includes a frame, an first membrane, a second membrane, and an optical fluid. The frame defines an inner space of the fluidic lens including a driving portion and a lens portion that are connected to each other. The elastic membrane is attached to one side of the frame to cover at least the lens portion. The second membrane is attached to an opposite side of the frame to cover at least the driving portion and is deformable in response to temperature change to vary a volume of the inner space. Optical fluid is contained in the inner space.

Abstract: An oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending therethrough between a first and second surface. A liquid drop is disposed within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from the first surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from the second surface. The liquid lens further includes an oscillator operatively coupled to either the first droplet portion or the second droplet portion for oscillating the liquid drop within the channel. The imaging system, in addition to the oscillating liquid lens, also includes an image sensor coupled to an image path which passes through the first and second droplet portions for capturing one or more images through the oscillating liquid drop.

Abstract: The invention discloses a package structure of a liquid lens which includes a first substrate and an electrode on the first substrate. The package structure includes a second substrate, a first sleeve, a second sleeve, a first circular member, and a second circular member. The first substrate is fixed at the first sleeve to form a holding chamber for receiving a first dielectric liquid and a second dielectric liquid. The second substrate is disposed on the liquid lens and fixed at the second sleeve. The first sleeve is fixedly connected inside the first sleeve and the second substrate. The second circular member is disposed on the first circular member. The first and second circular member are located and urged between the first sleeve and the second sleeve to form a reserved expansion chamber.

Abstract: Micro-shutter device applicable to display devices including a flexible display device and method of manufacturing same are provided. Micro-shutter device includes membrane. Frame including receiving hole in its center portion is bonded to membrane. Transparent substrate is bonded to frame to encapsulate optical fluid received in receiving hole. Actuator varies refractive power produced by change in curvature of fluid lens formed in the center portion of the receiving hole due to bending of a periphery of the fluid lens. A reflector is disposed to correspond to the fluid lens and be spaced apart from the membrane, such that light intensity transferred to a user is adjusted depending on the refractive power produced by a change in curvature of the fluid lens. Therefore, the device has improved optical efficiency compared to using liquid crystal and a polarizing film, and can have a flexible structure for application to a flexible display device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with multiple voltage zones that may have variable voltages applied across the zones. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, a cross section of which is non-spherical. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

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: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum, additional embodiments may include a cylindrical wall, each with microchannels. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum with portions of gradient thickness dielectric. Other embodiments may include a cylindrical shape meniscus wall. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: It is desirable to provide a variable light condensing lens apparatus and a solar cell apparatus provided therewith in a simple configuration, yet capable of reducing dependency of light condensing efficiency on the angle of incidence of light and thereby improving power generation efficiency of the solar cell apparatus. The variable light condensing lens apparatus according to the present disclosure is provided with a translucent support having a hydrophilic photocatalyst on a surface thereof and a first translucent liquid supported on the surface of the translucent support in contact therewith and the solar cell apparatus according to the present disclosure is provided with a solar cell element, a pair of electrodes connected to the solar cell element and the variable light condensing apparatus according to the present disclosure disposed opposed to the solar cell element.

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 non-round fluid lens assembly includes a non-round rigid lens and a flexible membrane attached to the non-round rigid lens, such that a cavity is formed between the non-round rigid lens and the flexible membrane. A reservoir in fluid communication with the cavity allows a fluid to be transferred into and out of the cavity so as to change the optical power of the fluid lens assembly. In an embodiment, a front surface of the non-round rigid lens is aspheric. Additionally or alternatively, a thickness of the flexible membrane may be contoured so that it changes shape in a spheric manner when fluid is transferred between the cavity and the reservoir.

Abstract: A transparent optical component having cells (1) filled with an optical material is proposed, which has a high transparency. The cells of the component are filled to levels (h1, . . . , h5) which vary randomly, and the variations of which are adapted so as not to cause a perceptible optical defect. To do this, the fill levels of the cells are adapted so that the phase shifts experienced by the light rays (R1, . . . , R5) which pass through the cells have a root mean square deviation of less than one quarter of the wavelength (1). Such a component may in particular be an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: A video projector includes a reduced size spatial light modulator (400) that spatially modulates light from a light source (502) according to only a portion (e.g., ½) of a video frame at a time. A beam steerer (508, 600, 1600) steers spatially modulated light from the spatial light modulator to a correspond region (e.g., upper half, lower half) of a projection screen/surface (512) and one or more lenses (506, 510, 702, 802, 1002, 1008, 1100, 1300, 1502) insure that the spatially light modulator (400) is imaged onto the projection screen/surface (512).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of multiple segments of a torus convex toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical element, an optical element array, and a method of manufacturing an optical element capable of forming a desired interface shape. In a microlens and a microlens array, at least one of a transparent liquid forming a liquid phase and microbubbles forming a gas phase is subjected to temperature adjustment by a curvature control part. The transparent liquid and the microbubbles subjected to temperature adjustment thermally expands or contracts, such that the shape of a curved interface formed between the transparent liquid and the microbubbles is changed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall. Some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a meniscus wall essentially in the shape of a conical frustum combined with a segment of a torus convex to the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: To provide a camera module in which a liquid lens can be fixed with a simple configuration. The camera module 1 is provided with the liquid lens 2, a master lens 3 which is disposed at the same axle as that of the liquid lens 2. A camera body 4 has a lens-mounting portion 40 to which the liquid lens 2 and the master lens 3 are mounted with their optical axes aligned, and a lens cover 5 fixes the liquid lens 2 and the master lens 3 onto the lens-mounting portion 40. A ring-shaped packing 6 which is disposed between the lens cover 5 and the liquid lens 2 pushes the liquid lens 2.

Abstract: An optical device including: at least one deformable membrane; a first support; and actuating unit for loading the membrane to deform it, the membrane being provided with a anchoring zone for anchoring to the support which surrounds a part of the membrane including a substantially central zone that is reversibly deformable, the support and the membrane contributing to imprison a constant volume of a first fluid in contact with a face of part of the membrane, wherein the actuating unit includes control-activated main actuating unit for loading the membrane in a peripheral zone and control-activated supplementary actuating unit anchored at least to the membrane for loading the membrane in the central zone.

Abstract: A microlens chip comprises a variable focus fluidic microlens and actuator. The actuator varies the pressure in a fluidic channel in the microlens chip which is coupled to an aperture opening containing the microlens. Applying an electric field to the actuator creates changes in fluid pressure in the fluidic channel, which in turn changes the radius of curvature (i.e., focal length) of the fluidic microlens.