Edmund Optics has begun distributing two new liquid-filled lenses produced by Swiss manufacturer Optotune - an electrically focus-tunable lens and a manually focus-tunable lens. The electrically and manually focus-tunable lenses can replace the functionality of a complete lens kit by providing the on-demand adaptability needed to avoid complex alignment and optomechanical issues associated with multi-lens systems, allowing users to save time and money while simplifying optical systems.
Electrically focus-tunable lenses provide a single-lens solution for focus and zoom objectives. When the user applies a voltage to each compact, plano-convex lens, the lens changes effective focal length. Each lens is filled with an optical liquid, and the change in voltage alters the pressure profile of the liquid, resulting in a change in radius of curvature. This electrical manipulation of the radius allows for a focal range of +15 to +100mm with an aperture of 10mm, enabling a variety of applications. These robust lenses are available in high refractive index or low dispersion options for research and for OEM integration. Cover glasses for the electrically focus-tunable lenses are available with either a VIS or NIR coating.
Manually focus-tunable lenses use a rotating outer ring to manipulate their focus length and change the shape of the lens from convex to concave. Using the same liquid-filled lens technology, they offer a focal tuning range of -40mm to infinity to +40mm at a large aperture diameter of 20mm, making them suitable for education and research applications or for use in lighting systems. These durable lenses are available in high refractive or low dispersion options.