Lens thinner than paper

May 24th, 2005 * Comments(0)

Boffins at Universite Laval in Quebec have developed a lens that’s five times thinner than paper (I guess it depends on the paper used in comparison) and is able to zoom and focus without moving any mechanical parts.
Sound a lot like something Phillips (I think) announced a while ago. They used some sort of liquid that changed shape depending on the amount of electrical current running though it.

Obviously the most obvious aplications for both of these technologies are mobile phones, security cameras and such where space is limited.

press release

The lens is made by adding a small quantity of photosensitive material to a liquid crystal cell. When the material is exposed to laser light, it forms a network of stable polymers varying in density according to the intensity of exposure. “The network is like a spiderweb, with its center denser than its periphery,” explains Galstian. “When we apply a weak electrical current to it, the crystals in the center realign differently from those in the periphery and thus take on the shape and behavior of a lens.”

The curve of the lens – its focal point – can be modified by changing the intensity and frequency of the electrical current. The researchers have thus been able to modify the lens’ focal distance from 1.6 to 8 meters in a few milliseconds by increasing the voltage from 1.5 to 4.5 volts. “The reaction is very fast and doesn’t involve any mobile parts or mechanical movements.” The focal point of the lens can go from 60 centimeters to infinity.

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