Optical assembly

Abstract

An optical assembly comprising a deformable optical element, first and second structures, an actuator assembly, and a constraining assembly. The deformable optical element comprising a fluid contained by first and second surfaces. At least one of the first and second surfaces comprise a first membrane with a substantially fixed length edge. The first structure is configured to support the edge of the first membrane. The actuator assembly is configured to drive relative movement between the first and second structures such that the pressure of the fluid effects a desired deformation of the first membrane. The constraining assembly is configured to cause the first structure to follow a fixed path of deformation to move from a first state of deformation to a second state of deformation in which the edge of the first membrane is positioned on a surface of desired deformation. When the first structure follows the fixed path of deformation, the strain energy of the membrane is redistributed via the constraining assembly to reduce the actuation energy required to effect the desired deformation of the first membrane.

Images