title: Thin waveplate lenses of switchable focal length--new generation in optics.
abstract: We present new lenses - waveplate lenses created in liquid crystal and liquid crystal polymer materials. Using an electrically-switchable liquid-crystal half-wave retarder we realized switching between focused and defocused beams by the waveplate lens. A combination of two such lenses allowed the collimation of a laser beam as well as the change of focal length of optical system.
authors.forename: Nelson V
authors.initials: NV
authors.lastname: Tabiryan
authors.forename: Svetlana V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Serak
authors.forename: David E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: Diane M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Steeves
authors.forename: Brian R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Kimball