Liquid Lens Density Matching for Orientation-Independent Coma Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid lenses suffer from gravity-induced coma aberrations due to hydrostatic pressure differentials causing non-rotationally symmetric membrane shapes, which result in optical aberrations that are not effectively compensated by current rigid, non-adjustable coma plates.
Innovation Solution
A liquid lens design comprising two chambers filled with liquids of different mass densities and refractive indices, separated by an elastically deformable membrane, which reduces or prevents gravity-induced coma aberrations by adjusting the membrane shape to compensate for orientation changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid non-adjustable coma plate is used to compensate gravity coma, then the optical aberration is reduced for one fixed orientation, but the compensation is ineffective for other orientations and specific membrane deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static rigid coma plate with a dynamic liquid lens system that can adjust its optical properties. The liquid lens changes shape in response to gravitational forces and orientation changes, providing adaptive coma compensation that works across multiple orientations rather than being limited to a single fixed orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in physical parameters - specifically the shape and refractive index distribution of the liquid lens - to adapt to different orientations. By allowing the liquid lens to deform and change its optical parameters based on gravitational effects, the system achieves orientation-independent coma compensation that a fixed rigid plate cannot provide.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lens uses an elastic membrane to adjust focal length, then the focal length is variable, but gravity-induced coma aberrations occur due to non-rotationally symmetric membrane deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally introduces asymmetry through the liquid lens to counterbalance the asymmetric deformation of the elastic membrane caused by gravity. The liquid lens creates an opposing asymmetric refractive index distribution that compensates for the gravitational distortion, thereby maintaining optical quality while preserving focal length adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of gravitational force on the liquid lens into a beneficial compensation mechanism. The same gravitational force that causes membrane deformation also creates a corresponding deformation in the liquid lens that generates compensating optical power, turning the source of aberration into the solution for correcting it.
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 lens effectively compensates for gravity-induced coma aberrations across various orientations, reducing or eliminating optical aberrations and maintaining focal length stability regardless of orientation or external accelerations.
Implementation Method 1
Gravity-induced vertical coma aberration (herein also denoted as gravity coma) is caused by a hydrostatic pressure differential that results into a non-rotationally symmetric membrane shape
Implementation Method 2
the weight of the liquid in the lens makes the membrane deformation at the bottom of the lens to be somewhat higher than at the top
Implementation Method 3
a transparent and elastically deformable first membrane (12) that separates the two chambers (C1, C2) from one another and contacts the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2)
Implementation Method 4
a first chamber (C1) filled with a first transparent liquid (L1) comprising a first mass density (ρ1) and a first refractive index (n1), a second chamber (C2) filled with a second transparent liquid (L2) comprising a second mass density (ρ2) and a second refractive index (n2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lens (1), comprising: a first chamber (C1) filled with a first transparent liquid (L1) comprising a first mass density (ρ1) and a first refractive index (n1), a second chamber (C2) filled with a second transparent liquid (L2) comprising a second mass density (ρ2) and a second refractive index (n2), and a transparent and elastically deformable first membrane (12) that separates the two chambers (C1, C2) from one another and contacts the first liquid (L1) and the second liquid (L2), wherein said mass densities (ρ1, ρ2) and said refractive indices (n1, n2) are selected such that a gravity-induced coma aberration of the lens (1) is reduced or prevented.