title: High-speed varifocal imaging with a tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lens.
abstract: Fluidic lenses allow for varifocal optical elements, but current approaches are limited by the speed at which focal length can be changed. Here we demonstrate the use of a tunable acoustic gradient (TAG) index of refraction lens as a fast varifocal element. The optical power of the TAG lens varies continuously, allowing for rapid selection and modification of the effective focal length at time scales of 1 mus and shorter. The wavefront curvature applied to the incident light is experimentally quantified as a function of time, and single-frame imaging is demonstrated. Results indicate that the TAG lens can successfully be employed to perform high-rate imaging at multiple locations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, 1 Olden Street, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA.
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mermillod-Blondin
authors.forename: Euan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McLeod
authors.forename: Craig B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Arnold