Liquid Lens Chamber Geometry for Fast Tilt Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current variable focus lenses face challenges in achieving rapid response times and minimizing optical aberrations, particularly in transitioning between optical tilt angles, which affects their performance in applications such as camera systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a variable focus lens with a chamber containing two immiscible liquids, where electrodes control the position of a liquid interface to achieve optical tilt, is designed with specific geometries and electrode configurations to optimize response times and reduce optical aberrations, including the use of a truncated cone shape and multiple electrodes to manage fluid movement and aberration distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional variable focus lenses are used, then optical tilt transitions can be achieved, but response times are slow and optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid lens is divided into multiple immiscible liquid regions (first liquid and second liquid) with distinct functional zones. The chamber is segmented into a light transmission region and a light non-transmission region, allowing independent optimization of optical performance and response speed in different areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the liquid lens have different properties: the light transmission region is optimized for minimal optical aberrations, while the light non-transmission region handles fluid movement and response control. The side wall geometry varies locally to enhance performance in specific zones.
2Loss of time
If rapid optical tilt transitions are achieved, then response time improves, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The problem is solved by adding a spatial dimension to the liquid lens design. The chamber height is optimized at 0.5mm to 2.0mm, creating a thin-profile structure that enables rapid response while the truncated cone side wall geometry provides additional dimensional control over fluid movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The immiscible liquid interface is pre-positioned and pre-configured within the chamber, ready for rapid actuation. The electrode structure is pre-arranged to immediately influence the liquid interface when voltage is applied, eliminating delays associated with fluid injection or mechanical adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If electrode configurations are added to control liquid interface, then optical tilt precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure employs asymmetric positioning and sizing of electrodes relative to the liquid interface. This asymmetric configuration enables precise control of the liquid interface shape and position, achieving accurate optical tilt while maintaining a relatively simple overall electrode architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a variable focus lens with response times as fast as 100 ms or less for optical tilt transitions and reduces total wavefront error to 150 nm or less, improving image quality and operational efficiency in camera systems.
Implementation Method 1
A position of the liquid interface can be variable based at least in part on voltages applied to the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The chamber can be disposed between the first window and the second window to transmit light along an optical path that passes through the liquid interface between the first liquid and the second liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid lens can have a chamber configured to improve the performance of the liquid lens, such as by improving the tilt response time and/or by reducing optical aberrations. The chamber can have sidewalls that conform to a shape of a truncated cone. The cone angle, and wide end diameter, and narrow end diameter can be selected by balancing competing factors. The liquid lens can include two fluids, and the fluid fill ratio can be selected to improve the performance of the liquid lens. In some embodiments, the sidewalls can conform to a portion of a sphere.