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This study introduces a novel continuous optical zoom system using Alvarez lenses actuated by dielectric elastomers. This innovation enables a 10x zoom ratio with high resolution for advanced imaging applications.

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Area of Science:

Optics and Photonics
Imaging Systems Engineering

Background:

Continuous optical zoom is crucial for various imaging applications but often limited by discrete zoom rates or narrow ranges.
Existing optical zoom systems face challenges in achieving wide zoom ranges and smooth magnification changes.

Purpose of the Study:

To propose and validate a continuous optical zoom imaging system with a wide zoom range.
To overcome the limitations of discrete zoom rates in conventional optical zoom systems.

Main Methods:

The system utilizes a solid lens, two Alvarez lenses composed of cubic phase plates with inverted freeform surfaces, and a camera.
Dielectric elastomer actuation enables lateral movement of the cubic phase masks, altering Alvarez lens focal lengths for magnification tuning.
The system's continuous optical zoom capability is experimentally verified.

Main Results:

Achieved a zoom ratio of up to 10x, with magnification continuously varying from 1.58x to 15.80x.
Demonstrated rapid response times of 150 ms (rise) and 210 ms (fall).
Maintained imaging resolution up to 114 line pairs/mm during the zoom process.

Conclusions:

The developed continuous optical zoom system offers a wide zoom range and high resolution.
The system's performance validates its potential for applications in microscopy, biomedicine, and virtual reality.