POLARIZATION-SELECTIVE VARIFOCAL LIQUID LENS

Organization Name

Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC

Inventor(s)

Afsoon Jamali of Issaquah WA (US)

Changwon Jang of Bellevue WA (US)

Sandro Pintz of Menlo Park CA (US)

POLARIZATION-SELECTIVE VARIFOCAL LIQUID LENS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18734641 titled 'POLARIZATION-SELECTIVE VARIFOCAL LIQUID LENS

Simplified Explanation:

The varifocal liquid lens described in the patent application consists of a body filled with two different fluids separated by a variable curvature interface. The refractive index and optical power of the lens depend on the polarization of the impinging light.

Key Features and Innovation:

Varifocal liquid lens with two different fluids separated by a variable curvature interface
Refractive index and optical power dependent on the polarization of impinging light
Birefringent fluids used to achieve variable optical power based on light polarization

Potential Applications: The technology could be used in adjustable focus lenses for cameras, microscopes, and other optical devices.

Problems Solved: This technology addresses the need for compact and versatile varifocal lenses with adjustable optical power.

Benefits:

Versatile and compact design
Adjustable optical power based on light polarization
Potential for improved performance in optical devices

Commercial Applications: Potential commercial applications include camera lenses, medical imaging devices, and other optical instruments requiring adjustable focus capabilities.

Prior Art: Readers can start searching for prior art related to varifocal liquid lenses, birefringent fluids, and adjustable optical power in liquid lenses.

Frequently Updated Research: Stay updated on advancements in varifocal liquid lens technology, birefringent materials, and optical devices for potential new applications and improvements.

Questions about Varifocal Liquid Lenses: 1. What are the key advantages of using birefringent fluids in varifocal liquid lenses? 2. How does the variable curvature interface in the varifocal liquid lens contribute to its functionality?

Original Abstract Submitted

A varifocal liquid lens includes a body filled with two different fluids separated by an interface of a variable curvature across a clear aperture of the varifocal liquid lens. At least one of the first or second fluids is birefringent, such that a refractive index difference between the first and second fluids and resulting optical power of the varifocal liquid lens is dependent on polarization of impinging light. At a first light polarization, the first and second fluids may be matched in refractive index, while at a second, orthogonal light polarization, the first and second fluids may be mismatched in refractive index, whereby the first interface between the first and second fluids may have a variable, non-zero optical power for the second polarization while having a substantially non-variable, zero optical power for the first polarization of light.