| 摘要 |
An adjustable compound optical microlens apparatus comprises first and second microlenses that are separated from one another along their optical axes. At least one of the microlenses is movable relative to the other. In a preferred embodiment, one microlens is stationary, the other movable. A MEMS controller electrically controls the position of the movable microlens relative to the stationary microlens, or the positions of at least two movable microlenses relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, one microlens element is stationary, the other movable. A MEMS controller electrically controls the position of the movable microlens relative to the other. In accordance with one embodiment of our invention, an array of such microlens apparatuses is also contemplated, especially for applications such optical switches and routers. In accordance with another embodiment of our invention, the facing optical surfaces of the microlenses include partially transmissive metal coatings, so that the apparatus functions as an optical filter or dispersion compensator. Also described is method of compensating for variations in an optical parameter (e.g., effective focal length) of a first apparatus in an array comprises the steps of: (a) determining that the first apparatus in the array has a value of the parameter different from a predetermined standard value; and (b) applying an electrical signal to the MEMS controller of the first apparatus, thereby causing the controller to perform a mechanical action that makes the value of the parameter of the first apparatus closer to the standard value. (Illustratively, the mechanical action alters the separation and/or tilt between a pair of microlenses in the first apparatus.) In one embodiment, the standard value is stored (for example, in a computer), and in another embodiment it is determined by the value of the same parameter of a second apparatus in the array. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>
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