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Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Fabrication of Polymer Microspheres for Optical Resonator and Laser Applications
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Tunable polymer lens.

G Beadie1, M L Sandrock, M J Wiggins

  • 1Division of Optical Sciences, U. S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA. guy.beadie@nrl.navy.mil

Optics Express
|August 6, 2008
PubMed
Summary
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Researchers developed a novel solid-state lens with a variable focal length. This innovative lens utilizes an elastomeric membrane and polymer gel, allowing for reversible focal length changes up to 1.9x.

Area of Science:

  • Optics and Photonics
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Engineering

Background:

  • Traditional lenses often have fixed focal lengths, limiting their adaptability in various optical systems.
  • Developing tunable lenses is crucial for applications requiring dynamic focusing capabilities.
  • Solid-state solutions offer potential advantages in terms of durability and miniaturization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce a novel solid-state variable focal length lens design.
  • To demonstrate a fabrication process enabling customized lens power.
  • To experimentally validate the tunable focal length performance.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a solid-state lens using an elastomeric membrane and a polymer gel reservoir.
  • Application of compressive strain to the polymer gel to induce shape changes in the membrane.

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  • Direct surface profile measurements to quantify lens shape deformation.
  • Experimental measurement of the lens's focal length under varying strain.

    • Main Results:

    • The solid-state lens demonstrated reversible changes in focal length.
    • A focal length change factor of 1.9 was achieved.
    • Experimental measurements of back focal length were consistent with theoretical calculations.

    Conclusions:

    • The described solid-state lens design offers a viable method for achieving variable focal length.
    • The fabrication process allows for tailored lens power for specific applications.
    • This technology holds promise for advanced optical systems requiring dynamic focusing.