Abstract: The invention relates to a variable focus lens (10), comprising a rigid ring (22), a flexible membrane (20) attached to the front surface of the ring, a rigid transparent front cover (40), attached to the flexible membrane (50), and a rigid rear cover (20) on the rear surface of the ring (22). A cavity (60) is formed between the flexible membrane (50) and the rear cover (20), and the cavity is filled with a liquid. The amount of liquid in the cavity can be varied to vary the curvature of the flexible membrane and so vary the optical characteristics of the lens. The rear cover can be integral with the ring, or formed separately. Further, a second flexible membrane can be positioned between the rear cover and the ring. The various parts of the lens can be held together by adhesive.

Abstract: A device for light processing includes a first housing having a reflective bottom surface and walls defining a first cavity. A first fluid or gel has a meniscus disposed within the first cavity. A control means is coupled with the first fluid or gel for adjusting the curvature of the meniscus. The bottom surface is configured to reflect an incident light beam through the first fluid or gel and toward the meniscus.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrowetting optical device comprising a chamber (15) comprising first and second immiscible liquids (16, 18) contacting each other at a liquid-liquid interface (19), the first liquid being an insulating liquid and the second liquid being a conducting liquid; a first electrode (20) in the contact with the second liquid; and a second electrode (202) insulated from the first and second liquids by an insulating layer, wherein the second electrode is formed of a conductive molded polymer material, wherein the curvature of said liquid-liquid interface is controllable by application of a voltage between said first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid lens includes a segmented electrode that allows the simultaneous application of different potentials across the lens's meniscus to obtain a predetermined aberration correction condition and to adjust focal length as necessary to conform to the topography of the object being scanned. The lens also includes a gas plenum interfacing with one of the liquids of the lens to allow for volume changes in the lens cell due to temperature variations. This combination of features produces a liquid-lens cell capable of maintaining substantially constant transverse magnification and diffraction-limited image quality over a useful range of focal length. As such, the lens is particularly suitable for incorporation in an array of micro-objectives used in a scanning microscope.

Abstract: A plurality of optical members (lenses) for use in ultraviolet region are mutually stuck. A fluorine-based organic compound (for example, fluorine-based oil) is provided between them. The periphery of the optical members is sealed with a sealant. As the sealant, an adhesive fluorine resin, for example, a soluble fluorine resin is used.

Abstract: An immersion lithography system compensates for displacement of the final optical element of the optical assembly caused by the immersion fluid. The system includes an optical assembly to project an image defined by a reticle onto a wafer. The optical assembly includes a final optical element spaced from the wafer by a gap. An immersion element supplies an immersion fluid into the gap and recovers any immersion fluid that escapes the gap. A fluid compensation system applies a force to the final optical element of the optical assembly to compensate for pressure variations of the immersion fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive films to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device/system.

Abstract: A tunable super-lens (TSL) for nanoscale optical sensing and imaging of bio-molecules and nano-manufacturing utilizes negative-index materials (NIMs) that operate in the visible or near infrared light. The NIMs can create a lens that will perform sub-wavelength imaging, enhanced resolution imaging, or flat lens imaging. This new TSL covers two different operation scales. For short distances between the object and its image, a near-field super-lens (NFSL) can create or enhance images of objects located at distances much less than the wavelength of light. For the far-zone, negative values are necessary for both the permittivity ? a permeability ?. While well-structured periodic meta-materials, which require delicate design and precise fabrication, can be used, metal-dielectric composites are also candidates for NIMs in the optical range. The negative-refraction in the composite films can be made by using frequency-selective photomodification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a bromine anion in the conductive fluid of an optical electrowetting device, especially a variable focus optical lens driven by electrowetting. The invention also pertains to a multi-phase liquid composition comprising a bromine anion, as well as an optical lens driven by electrowetting comprising the same.

Abstract: An ionic colored liquid according to the present invention moves with a voltage application, and contains as principal components at least a coloring material whose base material is a pigment, and an ambient temperature molten salt combining a cation and an anion. The coloring material has a mean volume particle diameter of equal to or smaller than 5 ?m and a coefficient of variation in a volume particle size distribution of equal to or smaller than 50. In an image display apparatus according to the present invention, a surface energy of the ionic colored liquid (21) is varied according to whether or not a voltage is applied to the ionic colored liquid (21), thereby moving the ionic colored liquid (21) or increasing/decreasing a surface area of the liquid on a display surface side, so that an image is displayed. In this manner, the ionic colored liquid can be dispersed stably in a dispersion medium and applied to an electric-field induction type electronic paper display or the like.

Abstract: A fluidic stabilized focus device comprises a fluidic lens core and a first yoke. The fluidic lens core includes a support ring, a first surface that includes an elastic membrane, a second surface, and a volume of fluid enclosed within the boundaries of the first and second surfaces and support ring. The first yoke has an annular portion configured to engage the first surface. Engagement of the first surface by the first yoke results in a displacement of the fluid and a change in optical properties of the device.

Abstract: An optical element is provided for generating interfacial waves by means of electro wetting. The optical element comprises a fluid chamber with at least one side wall and an optical axis. Furthermore the fluid chamber includes a first fluid (A) and a second fluid (B) which are separated by an interface, the fluids (A, B) being immiscible. A first electro wetting electrode and a second electro wetting electrode are provided, the first electro wetting electrode is separated from the first fluid (A) and the second fluid (B) by a fluid contact layer. The second electro wetting electrode is arranged to act on the first fluid (A). The selected standing or running waves can be formed by providing selected voltages to the first and the second electro wetting electrodes respectively.

Abstract: A liquid-control optical element is provided herein. The optical element includes two liquids with different phases. The two liquids are immiscible and have different optical index. By applying a voltage through electrodes to form an electric field, the slope of an interface between the two liquids is changed. The purpose of changing the slope is to change the shape of the interface or the moving or rotating direction. Thus, according to the law of total internal reflection or the law of refraction, the liquid-control optical element can be used as a liquid shutter device, or a liquid scanner device if a scanning is performed after penetrating the element.

Abstract: An optical element for correcting aberrations in an optical apparatus has a casing. The casing is filled with liquid and has a support layer and a cover layer designed to pass light of a predetermined wavelength range. The casing accommodates several actuators. Each actuator has a first end supporting the cover layer and a second end supporting the support layer. Each actuator is able to locally change a local distance between the support layer and the cover layer to correct for local aberrations in a light beam directed to the optical element by providing local phase shifts. The optical element may be used in a lithographic apparatus.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biopolymer optofluidic device including providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, providing a substrate, casting the biopolymer matrix solution on the substrate, embedding a channel mold in the biopolymer matrix solution, drying the biopolymer matrix solution to solidify biopolymer optofluidic device, and extracting the embedded channel mold to provide a fluidic channel in the solidified biopolymer optofluidic device. In accordance with another aspect, an optofluidic device is provided that is made of a biopolymer and that has a channel therein for conveying fluid.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed. The optical element may include a container having a holding chamber, a polar or conductive first liquid filled in the holding chamber, a second liquid filled in the holding chamber and not mixing with the first liquid, first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the first liquid, and voltage application means for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A fluidic optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a liquid lens in which a voltage is applied to control the shape of the interface between a polar liquid and a nonpolar liquid so as to control a transmitted light path at the interface. The liquid lens has a cavity with a polygonal upper side, into which the polar liquid and the nonpolar liquid are injected to form the interface.

Abstract: This invention details a contact lens that uses a reservoir of fluid compressed by the lower lid to dynamically shift the refractive power of the lens. This creates a lens that has a plurality of focal points depending on the position of gaze. This can be accomplished through using fluid pressure to dynamically change the optical power in the visual axis of the eye.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrowetting device. The electrowetting device includes a conductive or polar liquid material, and an electrode applying voltage to the liquid material through a dielectric layer. In the electrowetting device, the dielectric layer is formed as an anodized portion made of a metal oxide formed by anodizing the electrode, and a voltage applying unit applying voltage between the electrode and the liquid material and a polar capacitor are placed between the electrode and the liquid material.

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: An optical element is disclosed. The optical element may include a container having a holding chamber, a polar or conductive first liquid filled in the holding chamber, a second liquid filled in the holding chamber and not mixing with the first liquid, first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the first liquid, and voltage application means for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An optical system for ultraviolet light includes a plurality of optical elements made of a material transparent to ultraviolet light. At least two of the optical elements are utilized for forming at least one liquid lens group that has a first delimiting optical element, a second delimiting optical element, and a liquid lens, which is arranged in an interspace between the first delimiting optical element and the second delimiting optical element and contains a liquid transparent to ultraviolet light.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of constructing a fluid lens is provided. The method comprises establishing a generalized sidewall profile function and converting the generalized sidewall profile function to a plurality of lens sidewall contact angle functions defined by different combinations of sidewall profile parameters. Thereafter, the method comprises determining respective degrees of operational linearity of the lens sidewall contact angle functions over a range of positions along the x axis by assessing derivative uniformity of each of the lens sidewall contact angle functions within an established slope flatness metric ?. The respective degrees of operational linearity of the lens sidewall contact angle functions are then evaluated to identify an optimized sidewall profile. A fluid lens is then constructed by forming the fluid lens reservoir having at least one sidewall with the optimized sidewall profile.

Abstract: A meniscus reducing member for use in a vessel for containing a liquid including a surface feature overlying at least a portion of an interior surface of the vessel. The surface feature includes at least two surfaces for contacting the liquid that cooperate to reduce a width of a meniscus formed at an interface between the liquid and the surface feature by physically altering a contact angle between the liquid and the surface feature.

Abstract: The electrowetting optical element comprises a first electrically conducting fluid and a second electrically insulating fluid. According to the invention the second fluid comprises a compound including an aliphatic ring-structure. The optical element may be a lens or a zoomlens or be part of a zoomlens system.

Abstract: A fluidic adaptive lens, a multi-lens apparatus employing the fluidic adaptive lens, and a method of fabricating a fluidic adaptive lens are disclosed. The lens includes a first partition that is flexible and optically transparent, and a second partition that is coupled to the first partition, where at least a portion of the second partition is optically transparent, and where a first cavity is formed in between the first partition and the second partition. The lens further includes a first fluidic medium positioned within the cavity, the fluidic medium also being optically transparent; and a first device capable of controlling a parameter of the fluidic medium, where when the parameter of the fluidic medium changes, the first partition flexes and an optical property of the lens is varied.

Abstract: A liquid lens group includes two liquid lens portions and a light-pervious separator. The light pervious separator includes a first contact surface and an opposite second contact surface, which are in contact with the two liquid lens portions respectively. The liquid lens group has a wide focus range and highly compacted volume.

Abstract: A compound eye is provided. The compound eye includes a microfluidic device defining a plurality of wells therein. A plurality of lenses are disposed in corresponding wells of the microfluidic device. Each lens has a tunable focal length. A tuning structure tunes the focal length of each lens in response to a predetermined stimulus.

Abstract: An electrostatically actuated fluidic device capable of providing a variable focal length lens is disclosed. The device includes an elastic capacitor section, an elastic lens section in fluid communication with the capacitor section, the elastic lens section being characterized by a focal length and a fluid capable of fluid motion disposed at least partially in the capacitor and lens sections. A voltage may be applied to the capacitor section causing it to deform, which causes a portion of the fluid to flow into or out of the lens section. As a result, a change in volume of fluid in the lens section causes it to deform resulting in a variation in the focal length of the lens section.

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: 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: An illumination system has a plurality of light emitters (R5G5B), a first light-collimator (1) for collimating light emitted by the light emitters, and at least a second light-collimator (2) for collimating light emitted by the light emitters. The first light-collimator is arranged around a longitudinal axis (25) of the illumination system, and second light-collimator is being arranged around the first light-collimator along the longitudinal axis. Light propagation in the first light-collimator on total internal reflection. Light propagation in the second light-collimator is based on total internal reflection or on reflection at an outer surface of the second light-collimator facing away from the longitudinal axis. The cavity (3) is provided between the first and the second light-collimator. The cavity is provided with a switchable element based on electrowetting, wherein the switchable optical element is switchable in a mode of operation reducing the effect of the second light-collimator.

Abstract: An immersion lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a liquid removal system surrounds a liquid supply system which provides liquid to a space between a projection system and a substrate. The liquid removal system is moveable relative to the liquid supply system and is controlled to have substantially zero velocity relative to the moving substrate table. The gap between the liquid supply system and the liquid removal system may be covered and the atmosphere between the liquid supply system and the liquid removal system above the substrate table may be maintained such that the vapor pressure of liquid is relatively high.

Abstract: A liquid for a liquid lens includes an electrolyte solution and an insulating solution wherein the electrolyte solution contains H2O, 1,2-propanediol and LiCl, and the insulating solution is a silicon (Si) oil and optionally contains 1,6-dibromohexane or bromobenzene as an organic additive. A liquid lens module includes a transparent cover, a case for accommodating an electrolyte solution and an insulating solution, a pair of electrodes for supplying electricity to the electrolyte solution, and an insulating film for covering one of the electrodes in contact with the electrolyte solution wherein the electrolyte solution contains H2O, 1,2-propanediol and LiCl, and the insulating solution is a silicon (Si) oil.

Abstract: An immersion lithography objective has a housing in which at least one first optical element is arranged, a second optical element, which follows the first optical element in the direction of the optical axis of the objective, an immersion medium that adjoins the second optical element being located downstream of the latter in the direction of the optical axis, and a retaining structure for the second optical element. The retaining structure has a greater stiffness in the direction of the optical axis than in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: A variable-focus lens that includes a wall made of an insulating material, a drop of an insulating liquid arranged on an area of a first surface of the wall, a conductive liquid covering the first surface and the drop, and an electrode arranged on a second surface of said wall. The insulating and conductive liquids are non-miscible, having different optical indexes and substantially the same density. The drop of the variable-focus lens is centered in a truncated cone centered on an axis perpendicular to the first surface, the bottom of which is pierced with a centered hole, and the insulating material wall is transparent and covers the hole.

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 optical device, systems utilizing fluidic optical devices, methods for manufacturing fluidic optical devices and actuators are disclosed.

Abstract: A first liquid and a second liquid are sealed in a cell, and the first liquid and the second liquid are not mixed with each other, and have different refractive indexes, with the interface of the two liquids being remained stationary by an edge portion of a movable opening member that is made in contact with the interface of the two liquids so that an actuator that is coupled to the movable opening member controls a shape of the interface of the two liquids by driving the movable opening member.

Abstract: Objectives and other optical assemblies include a reflective surface that is truncated at or near a focus based on a curvature of the reflective surface. A specimen is situated at or near the focus of the reflective surface, so that the reflective surface captures and collimates optical radiation emitted from the specimen. The reflective surface can be defined on an optical substrate along with a lens surface, so that an illumination flux is focused on the specimen by the lens surface, and a secondary light flux produced in response to the illumination flux is captured and collimated by the reflective surface.

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: Disclosed is a solar multistage concentrator in which at least one imaging lens system (1) is mounted in front of a non-imaging lens system (3, 4) in such a way that both systems are an integral part of a specifically formed, light-transparent dielectric (2).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for making a transparent optical element (11), which consists in first producing an optical component (10) having at least a transparent assembly of cells (15) juxtaposed parallel to a surface of the component, each cell being hermetically sealed and containing a substance with optical property. Said optical component is then cut out along the contour defined on its surface, corresponding to a shape specific for the optical element. The cells of the assembly have dimensions ranging between 100 ?m and 500 ?m parallel to the surface of the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system comprising a transparent ball, particularly filled with a transparent liquid. Direct sunlight that is incident on the ball area exposed to the sun is reflected on the opposite, internal face of the hollow ball by means of a rotary mirror in such a way that the focus of the radiation field is reproduced in the center of the hollow ball. Solar converters can thus be statically disposed in the center of the hollow ball and are preferably provided with only one twisting means in order to permanently keep the solar converters in an ideal alignment relative to the focused sunlight.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a liquid lens and a lens module having the same. The liquid lens includes an enclosure, an elastic shell and a light pervious liquid. The enclosure has a top wall and defines a through opening in the top wall. The elastic shell is received in the enclosure and is filled with the light pervious liquid. The elastic shell includes an inner portion and an outer convex portion. The convex portion protrudes from the outer enclosure via the through opening.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for optical focusing and stabilizing using a hydraulic component, called focusing stabilizer, in an image focusing module of the electronic devices. This focusing stabilizer is capable of doing focus adjustment and/or image stabilization. The focusing stabilizer can comprise two optical elements (e.g., two plates or prisms, two lenses, or one plate or prism and one lens) and a liquid between them. The refractive index and thickness of the liquid changes a length of the optical path from the object to the photosensitive surface such that the system focus shift depends on a liquid lens thickness in the direction of the optical axis. In addition, adjusting two optical components using a predetermined criterion provides a stabilization of the focused image.

Abstract: A solid tunable micro optical device for an micro-optical system is provided. The sold tunable micro optical device includes a first annular piece, a micro-lens with a spherical surface configured on the first annular piece, and a deforming device coupled to the first annular piece for deforming the micro-lens.