Characterization of Tunable Micro-Lenses with a Versatile Optical Measuring System

Area of Science:

• Optoelectromechanical systems
• Micro-optics and photonics
• Materials science

Background:

• Tunable micro-lenses are crucial for compact optical systems.
• Characterizing their optoelectromechanical properties is essential for performance optimization.
• Existing methods may lack precision or introduce artifacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a comprehensive optoelectromechanical characterization of Tlens®.
• To evaluate the performance of tunable micro-lenses using a novel optical method.
• To analyze static and dynamic behaviors, including actuation efficiency and hysteresis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a single-spot optical measuring system employing near-infrared optical low-coherence reflectometry.
• Performed static and low-frequency dynamic analyses in the time domain.
• Measured optical power by monitoring a focused He-Ne laser beam with a digital camera.

Main Results:

• Obtained optical thickness, actuation efficiency, and piezo-actuator hysteretic behavior.
• Demonstrated the ability to perform interferometric measurements without spurious resonances.
• Reported direct measurements of Tlens® optical power versus driving voltage.

Conclusions:

• Optical low-coherence reflectometry is effective for characterizing tunable micro-lenses.
• The method provides precise measurements of key optoelectromechanical parameters.
• Results offer valuable data for the design and application of tunable micro-lens technology.