Tuneable bioinspired lens. (26th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charmet, Jérôme; Barton, Rupert; Oyen, Michelle
• Is Part Of: Bioinspiration & biomimetics. Volume 10:Number 4(2015:Aug.)
• Publication Date: 2015-06-26
• Subjects: optical lens -- liquid lens -- bioinspired lens -- polymer; 42.15.Eq -- 89.20.-a -- 61.41.+e; Biomimetics -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Medical innovations -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; 600
• DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/10/4/046004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1748-3182

Abstract

Abstract: Bioinspired lenses that rely on changes of curvature to achieve focus are interesting candidates for miniaturized tuneable lenses as they require fewer mechanical moving parts compared to their conventional counter-parts. The lens described in this manuscript closely mimics the design and actuation principle of the vertebrate lens. It consists of a liquid lens encapsulated in a transparent polymer membrane. Application of a radial strain changes the curvature of the lens thereby changing its focal length. The unstrained lens has a focal length of 50 mm, which rises to a value of 100 mm at a maximum radial strain of 0.67%. This range compares favourably to both biological lenses and other published examples of biomimetic lenses. Finally we point out a few routes to improve the quality of the lens and expand its focal length range.