Optofluidic variable aperture.
A variable aperture has been fabricated and demonstrated using polydimethylsiloxane-based optofluidic technology. The device consists of a deformable membrane, an air pressure chamber, a cavity filled with light-absorbing liquid, and a rigid transparent upper plate. The working principle of the device is based on the deformable capability of the thin membrane structure and its resultant contact with the rigid plate. The contact area can be easily controlled by varying the air volume introduced and hence can serve as a light transmission aperture. Experimental results show that aperture diameter can be continuously changed from zero to 6.35 mm.
Hongbin
Yu
Y
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Micro/Nano Systems Initiative Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576. yhb_hust@yahoo.com
Guangya
Zhou
Z
Siong
Chau Fook
CF
Feiwen
Lee
L