Ultrathin Alvarez lens system actuated by artificial muscles

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Microsystems Engineering

Background:

• Alvarez lenses offer tunable focal length via lateral translation, reducing system length.
• Conventional microsystems actuators limit miniaturization due to their bulk.
• Need for thinner, more integrated focus-tunable optical components exists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, ultrathin focus-tunable Alvarez lens.
• To demonstrate the use of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators for miniaturization.
• To achieve significant focal length tuning in a compact device.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an ultrathin Alvarez lens using molding techniques.
• Actuation of the lens using liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) artificial muscles.
• Integration of LCE actuators in-plane with the optical system.

Main Results:

• Achieved a device thickness of only 1.6 mm.
• Demonstrated a focal length change of 3.3 mm with 178 μm lens movement.
• Initial focal length was 28.4 mm.

Conclusions:

• The developed Alvarez lens is ultrathin and focus-tunable.
• LCE actuators enable significant miniaturization and in-plane integration.
• This design is promising for ultraflat, focus-tunable, and zoom optical systems.