title: Tunable polymer lens.
abstract: A new type of solid-state variable focal length lens is described. It is based on shape changes in an elastomeric membrane driven by compression of a reservoir of a polymer gel. A novel fabrication process based on individual lens components allows for customization of lens power based on the desired application. The lens shape as a function of applied compressive strain is measured using direct surface profile measurements. The focal length of a solid state lens was reversibly changed by a factor of 1.9. Calculated back focal lengths of the lens were consistent with experimental measurements.
authors.affiliation: Division of Optical Sciences, U. S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA. guy.beadie@nrl.navy.mil
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Beadie
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Sandrock
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Wiggins
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Lepkowicz
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Shirk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ponting
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kazmierczak
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hiltner
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Baer
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D020724:Elastomers / Q000737:chemistry*; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007909:Lenses; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D020724:Elastomers; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers