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Microelectromechanically-driven miniature adaptive Alvarez lens.

Guangya Zhou1, Hongbin Yu, Fook Siong Chau

  • 1Micro and Nano systems Initiative, Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore. mpezgy@nus.edu.sg

Optics Express
|February 8, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

This study presents a miniature solid-state varifocal lens using the Alvarez principle. It achieves dynamic focal length tuning for autofocus and zooming in compact cameras.

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Area of Science:

  • Optics and Photonics
  • Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS)

Background:

  • Miniature cameras require advanced optical components for functionalities like autofocus and zooming.
  • Traditional varifocal lenses can be bulky and complex, limiting their use in small devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a novel miniature solid-state varifocal lens based on the Alvarez principle.
  • To demonstrate dynamic focal length tuning using MEMS actuators.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of Alvarez lens elements with free-form surfaces using diamond-turning and replication molding.
  • Integration of lens elements with electrostatically-driven MEMS comb-drive actuators via SOI micromachining.
  • Experimental demonstration of dynamic focal length tuning.

Main Results:

  • Achieved dynamic tuning of focal length by more than 1.5 times (3 mm to 4.65 mm).
  • Demonstrated tuning with minimal MEMS-driven lateral movement (40 μm).
  • The varifocal lens is compact and suitable for miniaturization.

Conclusions:

  • The developed miniature solid-state varifocal lens offers a promising solution for autofocus and zooming in miniature cameras.
  • Advantages include ease of packaging and fast tuning speed.
  • The Alvarez principle combined with MEMS technology enables compact and efficient varifocal lens systems.