Abstract: Electrofluidic devices, visual displays formed from the electrofluidic devices, and methods for making and operating such electrofluidic devices Each electrofluidic device has a fluid vessel with first and second regions that contain an electrically conductive polar fluid and a non-polar fluid The polar and/or the non-polar fluids are externally visible external through a viewable area of the second region A voltage source is electrically connected to a capacitor having a hydrophobic surface that contacts the polar fluid and provides a first principal radius of curvature of the polar fluid that is convex and smaller than a second principal radius of curvature of the polar fluid in the first region The voltage source applies an electromechanical force to the polar fluid, thereby transferring the polar fluid from the first region to the second region and causing a spectral property of light transferred through the viewable area to change.

Abstract: A liquid optical lens which changes a focus due to a change in a shape of a translucent elastic membrane according to a change in a fluid pressure of a lens chamber and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The liquid optical lens forms a dampproof coating membrane on the translucent elastic membrane to prevent a fluid from permeating through the translucent elastic membrane and a swelling phenomenon of the translucent elastic membrane.

Abstract: A non-oscillating liquid lens and imaging system and method employing the lens are provided. The liquid lens includes a substrate with a channel opening extending through the substrate. A liquid lens drop is held within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and which includes a chamber. The liquid lens drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid lens drop, and an actuator which facilitates adjusting configuration of the liquid lens drop within the channel, and thus, a focal distance of the liquid lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a 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 at least a portion of the conical frustum concave toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a 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 at least a portion of the conical frustum convex toward the optical axis. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: A camera module 1 is provided with liquid lens 2 that moves its focus position by an application of voltage thereto. A CMOS substrate 7 has a CMOS image sensor 70 that photographs an image focused by the liquid lens 2, and a flexible printed circuit substrate 9 which has an electrode portion 90 is connected with the liquid lens 2 and connects the liquid lens 2 and the CMOS substrate 7. A thermistor 10 that is installed in a sensor-mounting portion 93 formed on the electrode portion 90 and is connected with the CMOS substrate 7 through the flexible printed circuit substrate 9.

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 through the substrate. A liquid drop is disposed within the channel and is sized with a first droplet portion, including a first capillary surface, protruding away from a first substrate surface, and a second droplet portion, including a second capillary surface, protruding away from a second substrate surface. The liquid lens further includes an enclosure at least partially surrounding the substrate, and including a chamber. The liquid drop resides within the chamber, and the liquid lens includes a second liquid disposed within the chamber in direct or indirect contact with the liquid drop, and the liquid lens further includes a driver for oscillating the liquid drop within the channel.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical electrowetting device a body comprising at least a first external surface and a second internal surface with a conical shape; a liquid-liquid interface between a first and a second immiscible liquids, the first liquid being a conducting liquid and the second liquid being an insulating liquid, wherein the liquid-liquid interface is able to move on the second internal surface by electrowetting effect; a first electrode in contact with the first liquid; a second electrode insulated from the first liquid by an insulating layer, the second electrode comprising at least a first electrical conductive track to be connected to a voltage source and extending from the first external surface of the body to the second internal surface; and a first layer covering the second internal surface of said body and being covered by the insulating layer, wherein the shape of the liquid-liquid interface is controllable by application of at least a first voltage between the first electrode and the fi

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. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

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: An electro-wetting device is provided that can prevent deterioration of withstand voltage characteristics due to use of a high-dielectric constant film, thereby ensuring an insulating structure having high reliability. The electro-wetting device includes a conductive first liquid, an insulating second liquid, a transparent substrate and a cover body defining a liquid room for accommodating therein the first and second liquids, an electrode layer formed on a surface, on the liquid room side, of the transparent substrate, and an insulating layer formed on a surface of the electrode layer. The insulating layer has a lamination structure of a first insulating film made of an insulating inorganic crystalline material, and a second insulating film made of an insulating inorganic amorphous material, which results in that surface irregularities of the first insulating film is relaxed by the second insulating film, and thus the low voltage drive is possible.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bifocal lens constructed such that the lens is not easily damaged when hit by flying fragments and, moreover, able to obtain a consistent focal length with a simple construction. The lens is equipped with a transparent substrate having transparency and rigidity, a transparent resilient body having transparency and elasticity, a transparent fluid enclosed in the space between the aforementioned transparent substrate and the aforementioned transparent resilient body, and a mechanism that induces changes in the shape of the aforementioned transparent resilient body. Changes are induced in the shape of the transparent resilient body to form the desired shape in the two states of the lens which comprises the transparent fluid enclosed in the space between the transparent substrate and the transparent resilient body, making it possible to obtain the desired characteristics (accurate optical characteristics) in either of the two states.

Abstract: A method that comprises returning a droplet of conducting liquid of a tunable liquid microlens to a calibration position. Returning the droplet includes applying a first set of voltages between the conducting liquid and a first set of electrodes to move the droplet to a different position than the calibrated position. Returning the droplet further includes applying a second set of voltages between the conducting liquid and a second set of electrodes to return the droplet to the calibration position.

Abstract: An optical device with a deformable membrane including an anchoring area on a support helping to contain a constant volume of liquid in contact with one of its faces, a substantially central area, configured to be deformed reversibly from a rest position, and an actuation mechanism displacing the liquid in the central area, stressing the membrane in parts situated between the central area and the anchoring area. The actuation mechanism includes plural thermal or piezoelectric actuators of micro-beam type, distributed at the periphery of the membrane, the micro-beams including at least one fixed part joined to the support and at least one moving part coming into contact, on an actuation, with the membrane in an area situated between the central area and the anchoring area.

Abstract: An optical element includes an airtight container having opposing face walls in a thickness direction, and side walls connecting the end face walls; a first liquid sealed in the container and having polarity or conductivity; a second liquid sealed in the container and not mixed with the first liquid so as to define an interface between the first liquid and the second liquid; and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the first liquid. Further, the first liquid and the second liquid have the same specific gravity and substantially the same refractive index, and minute particles made of a material that does not transmit light are mixed in the first liquid, such that the first liquid has less light transmittance than the second liquid.

Abstract: A fluidic lens device capable of providing variable focal power with reduced optical aberration is disclosed. The device includes a lens member and an actuator. The lens member comprises one or more elastic optical surfaces, a compliant support member in communication with the optical surfaces, and a fluid-filled chamber. The optical surfaces have a high value of elastic modulus, reducing coma and other aberrations associated gravity and acceleration. The support member may provide a compliant fluid seal and allow the edges of the optical surfaces to pivot, reducing spherical and other aberrations. One or more piezoelectric ring-bender actuators may provide the force required for compressing the support ring and deflecting the optical surfaces. The actuators may be configured to provide the fluidic lens device with reduced sensitivity to changes in temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an arcuate liquid meniscus lens, some specific embodiments include a liquid meniscus lens with a front curve arcuate lens and a back curve arcuate lens. Embodiments may also include a lens of suitable size and shape for inclusion in a contact lens.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first liquid; a second liquid that is immiscible with the first liquid and that has polarity or electrical conductivity; a first substrate portion; a second substrate portion; a sidewall portion; a second electrode disposed on one of the second substrate portion and the sidewall 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 optical element further includes a first film disposed on the first substrate portion side of the accommodating portion and having high affinity with the first liquid, a second film disposed on the second substrate portion side of the accommodating portion and having high affinity with the second liquid, and a third film disposed at the center of the second film and having high affinity with the first liquid.

Abstract: An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a reservoir at least partially bounded by a first optical surface and a second optical surface. A fluid fills a volume of the reservoir. A piston is configured to contact a portion of the first or second optical surface from outside the reservoir. One or more of the first optical surface or second optical surface is configured to deform as a result of a change in a pressure applied to the fluid or a change in contact between the piston and the first or second optical surface. A rim may be disposed outside the reservoir and configured to contact and provide additional deformation to one or more of the first or second optical surface.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for the control and self-assembly of particles into adaptable monolayers and changing the relative position of a plurality of particles at an interface between two fluids, including applying an electric field perpendicular to the interface; moving the particles vertically in the interface in response to applying the electric field; moving the particles laterally within the interface in response to the electric field and capillary forces; maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles vertically; and maintaining the particles at the interface when moving the particles laterally.

Abstract: An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, which can reduce crosstalk caused at the center of an electrode, includes first and second substrates arranged opposite each other and defined, respectively, with a plurality of lens regions corresponding to each other, first electrodes formed on the first substrate between centers of the respective neighboring left and right lens regions on the first substrate, a black matrix layer formed on the first substrate to correspond to edges of the respective lens regions, the black matrix layer having a first width, second electrodes formed on the first substrate to correspond to the edges of the respective lens regions, the second electrodes having a second width smaller than the first width, a third electrode formed throughout the second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

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: Fluid lens system includes a container enclosing a fluid arranged to refract incoming waves. A pressure release mechanism is in contact with the fluid so as to compensate changes in its volume due to thermal variations. The pressure release mechanism is positioned within a pathway of incoming waves. The fluid container may be connected via a tube to the fluid as a reservoir which is arranged within or outside the container, such as beyond an image sensor. Alternatively, an easily compressible body such as a small closed metal bellows enclosing a gas, is positioned inside the fluid to absorb volume changes by compression. The container may have an inner container part that fits inside an outer container part, where the pressure release mechanism is positioned within the outer container part. A fluid filled cavity including a compressible body may be formed between the inner and outer container parts.

Abstract: A device and/or apparatus that comprises a dynamic optical lens is provided. A first apparatus includes a first lens component having a first surface and a second surface. The first apparatus further includes a second lens component that comprises a flexible element. The first apparatus also includes a fluid that may be applied between at least a portion of the first lens component and at least a portion of the second lens component. The flexible element of the second lens component is such that it conforms to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently low. The flexible element of the second lens component is also such that it does not conform to the first surface of the first lens component when an amount of fluid between the first surface of the first lens component and the second lens component is sufficiently great.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid lens in a data collection device. One or more micropump control systems are used to control one or more fluid lenses. The micropump control systems are used to change volume and/or pressure within the fluid lens system, changing the radius of curvature of the lens.

Abstract: Another approach to decrease the resolution is to introduce an immersion liquid having high refractive index into the gap that remains between a final lens element on the image side of the projection objective and the photoresist or another photosensitive layer to be exposed. Projection objectives that are designed for immersion operation and are therefore also referred to as immersion objective may reach numerical apertures of more than 1, for example 1.3 or 1.4. The term “immersion liquid” shall, in the context of this application, relate also to what is commonly referred to as “solid immersion”. In the case of solid immersion, the immersion liquid is in fact a solid medium that, however, does not get in direct contact with the photoresist but is spaced apart from it by a distance that is only a fraction of the wavelength used. This ensures that the laws of geometrical optics do not apply such that no total reflection occurs.

Abstract: A fluidic lens for use with IR light is provided having an optically transparent cavity containing a liquid perfluorocarbon retained within the cavity at least in part by an optically transparent flexible membrane whose surface profile may be varied by applying a variable pressure to the liquid within the cavity.

Abstract: Fluidic adaptive lens devices, and systems employing such lens devices, along with methods of fabricating and operating such lens devices, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens material is optimally selected to provide one or more desired characteristics for a variety of applications related to adaptive lens devices. In another embodiment, a fluidic medium is optimally chosen to provide one or more desired characteristics for a variety of applications related to adaptive lens devices.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus includes an optical element through which a substrate is exposed with an exposure beam. A space between the optical element and the substrate is filled with liquid during the exposure. In addition, a gap is formed between a member and a surface, through which the exposure beam does not pass, of the optical element. A suction is provided to the gap.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens includes: a lens portion including a pair of light transmissive members, at least one of which is deformable, and a light transmissive liquid medium sealed between the pair of light transmissive members; and a liquid medium container including a chamber that communicates with the lens portion and is filled with the liquid medium, the liquid medium container causing the shape of the surface of the deformable light transmissive member or members to be changed by changing the volume of the chamber to adjust the amount of liquid medium with which the lens portion is filled.

Abstract: Provided is a varifocal lens and method of manufacturing the varifocal lens. The varifocal lens includes a transparent substrate, a spacer frame arranged to form an inner space on the transparent substrate, wherein the inner space is to be filled with an optical fluid, a rigid frame disposed to be adjacent to the spacer frame, and an optical membrane and an actuator which are formed on a surface of the rigid frame. The rigid frame supports the actuator and the optical membrane, wherein the actuator applies a pressure to an optical fluid and the optical membrane is modified according to a flow of the optical fluid.

Abstract: A temperature compensated liquid lens is disclosed in which wait times for the liquid lens to respond to an applied control voltage or calculated in advance and stored in a table. A temperature sensor is utilized with the liquid lens that provides temperature data to the controlled circuitry. The wait time for the liquid lens to respond is then minimized to be no more than the minimum required time for the liquid lens to respond to the controlled voltage enough to focus the image to a prescribed level of quality.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical system (1). The optical system (1) has a housing (2) with an opening (3) extending through the housing (2) encompassing an in general constant volume (V). A membrane (6) with two or more membrane sections is arranged across the opening separating the volume (V) in a first and a second chamber (7, 8) filled with at least one fluid. The membrane is attached to an annular holding frame (9). An actuator is interconnected to the membrane (6) directly or indirectly to change the optical behaviour of the membrane.

Abstract: The variable focus lens of the present invention changes the refractive power by changing each of the shapes of a first interface formed by a first liquid and a second liquid that have refractive indices that differ from each other and a second interface formed by the second liquid and a third liquid that have refractive indices that differ from each other. Thereby, this variable focus lens changes the first interface and the second interface such that the sign of the refractive power of the first interface and the sign of the refractive power of the second interface differ from each other.

Abstract: A projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus comprises a manipulator for reducing rotationally asymmetric image errors. The manipulator in turn contains a lens, an optical element and an interspace formed between the lens and the optical element, which can be filled with a liquid. At least one actuator acting exclusively on the lens is furthermore provided, which can generate a rotationally asymmetric deformation of the lens.

Abstract: Fluidic lens devices, and systems employing such lens devices, along with methods of fabricating and operating such lens devices, are disclosed. Certain of the disclosed structures permit fluidic lens devices to operate without valves that control fluid exchange between fluidic lenses and reservoirs. Also disclosed are fluidic lens devices that comprise a fluidic lens but no reservoir. Additional disclosed structures and methods permit fluidic lens devices to perform zoom and focus functions.

Abstract: A varifocal lens includes a hollow case having first and second sidewalls facing each other, the first and second sidewalls through which a light passes; at least one light transmission membrane partitioning an inner space of the case into at least two liquid chambers, the at least one light transmission membrane through which a light passes; at least two liquids filled in the at least two liquid chambers; at least one first operating hole formed at the first sidewall; a first actuator disposed to cover the at least one first operating hole and to pressurize the liquid contacting the first sidewall; and a controller configured to control the first actuator to change a focal distance of an optical lens consisting of the first and second sidewalls, the at least two liquids, and the at least one light transmission membrane of the case.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical device comprising a container enclosing an insulating liquid (A) and a liquid responsive to an electric field (B), the insulating liquid (A) and the liquid responsive to an electric field (B) being immiscible and being in contact with each other via an interface (14), at least one of the liquids (A; B) being at least partially placed in a light path through the container. The optical device further comprises an electrode arrangement (2; 12) for controlling the shape of the interface (14) by means of a voltage; and means (100) for preventing the interface from an exposure to an external electric field. Consequently, the build-up of electrostatic charge on a surface of the optical device is avoided, which prevents the unwanted distortion of the interface (14) caused by the interaction of the liquid responsive to an electric field (B) and the electrostatic charge.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a liquid lens device includes the steps of: 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, and a hollow electrode pipe for making the communication between the inside and the outside of the liquid chamber, the liquid chamber being defined by a first transparent substrate on which an electrode layer is formed, a second transparent substrate opposed to the first transparent substrate, and an annular sealing member interposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; applying pressure to the first and second transparent substrates to thereby compress the sealing member and discharge the first liquid from the second end of the hollow electrode pipe; and closing the second end of the hollow electrode pipe.

Abstract: In a liquid lens containing electrode and an insulating first liquid and a conductive second liquid having non-miscibility and different refractive indexes, and optical characteristics are changed by a change of interface shape of the first and the second liquid by applying a voltage to the electrode: in a surface contact with an edge of interface of the first and the second liquids, a first region having an affinity for the first liquid and a second region having an affinity different from that of the first liquid are formed on the insulating layer, and when the interface shape of the first liquid and the second liquid 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 device for a lens assembly of a camera module is disclosed. The optical device includes a liquid lens having at least one fixed lens and a transparent window, facing each other and delimiting, at least in part, an internal volume containing two immiscible liquids having different optical indices, and a first and a second electrode. The liquids form an interface moveable by application of a voltage between said electrodes. The optical device also includes a liquid lens holder, wherein the liquid lens holder has at least one electrical contact for contacting one electrode of the liquid lens, and at least one Z reference datum for aligning the fixed lens of the liquid lens with other optical elements of the lens assembly.

Abstract: A lens is provided, comprising a lens body. According to an embodiment, the lens body comprises at least one portion of electroactive material.

Abstract: An optical device (100) includes a housing having a hydrophobic top surface (108), a bottom surface and a first cavity (104), wherein the cavity has inwardly curved walls. A first fluid (110) having a first meniscus is disposed within the first cavity. A first control means (112) is coupled with the first fluid for displacing fluid into and out of the first cavity.

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 device for examining chemical and/or biological samples is provided that includes a sample carrier. The sample carrier includes a sample carrier wall through which a sample is examined with the aid of an objective. The objective includes an exit lens that defines a gap towards an outer surface of the sample carrier wall, in which gap a film of an immersion material can be arranged such that the film is in contact with both the outer surface and the exit lens. The exit lens is surrounded by an objective cap. To improve protection of the objective from becoming fouled by the immersion medium, the objective cap includes a capillary channel connected with a suction device for discharging the immersion medium.

Abstract: A lens array capable of making the characteristics of lens elements uniform is provided. A lens array 10 according to the present invention includes first liquid 11 that is conductive, second liquid 12 that is insulative and that has a refractive index different from that of the first liquid, and a plurality of lens elements 13 forming lens surfaces 13A at an interface between the first liquid 11 and the second liquid 12. The lens surfaces 13A of the lens elements 13 reversibly vary in accordance with output control of an applied voltage. The lens array is structured such that the adjacent lens elements 13 liquidly communicate with each other, whereby differences in the amounts of the first liquid 11 and the second liquid 12 between the lens elements can be avoided and the lens characteristics can be made uniform.

Abstract: A fluidic lens may have a transparent window member, a transparent distensible membrane, an inner ring between the window member and membrane, and a top ring disposed such that the membrane is between the piston ring and the inner ring. A layer of liquid may be stored between the window member, the inner ring and the membrane. The top ring may be adapted to apply a liquid displacement force to the membrane in a direction perpendicular to a plane of an aperture of the inner ring to cause a change in a radius of curvature of the membrane. The membrane may be pre-tensioned prior to assembly with the other components.

Abstract: A lens array device and an image display device using the lens array device, which allow a lens effect characteristic different from that of a single variable lens array to be easily obtained, are provided. The lens array device includes a variable lens array and a fixed lens array. The variable lens array includes a plurality of variable lenses each having electrically-adjustable refracting power. The fixed lens array includes a plurality of fixed lenses each provided in correspondence to each of the plurality of variable lenses. Each of the fixed lenses has a refracting power which, once a corresponding variable lens has come to have a first refracting power, allows the first refracting power to be cancelled out.