Liquid lens for controlled setting of a specific focal length

摘要

The present invention relates to a liquid lens for controlled adjustment of a variable focal length for a light transmitted through the liquid lens, comprising: a carrier having a light transmission portion for the light; a liquid drop which is highly transparent to the light and arranged on the carrier above the light transmission portion as part of a lens function; a ferrofluid which is arranged above the liquid drop so that it surrounds and contacts the liquid drop at least at those surfaces which are not directly in contact with the carrier; a magnet means arranged below the carrier and around the light transmission portion so as to draw the ferrofluid arranged on the carrier towards the carrier and keep it in its position on the carrier in all possible spatial positions of the liquid lens, which causes the liquid drop to be kept in its position on the carrier as well; and a temperature element arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the liquid drop in order to bring the liquid drop to a specific temperature and in order to alter the surface tension of the liquid drop by means of the specific temperature so as to adjust the focal length in this manner. The Invention also pertains to a corresponding method.

主权项

1) Liquid lens for controlled adjustment of a variable focal length for a light transmitted through the liquid lens, comprising:
a) a carrier having a light transmission portion for the light; b) a liquid drop which is highly transparent to the light and arranged on the carrier above the light transmission portion as part of a lens function; c) a ferrofluid which is arranged above the liquid drop so that it surrounds and contacts the liquid drop at least at those surfaces which are not directly in contact with the carrier; d) a magnet means arranged below the carrier and around the light transmission portion so as to draw the ferrofluid arranged on the carrier towards the carrier and keep it in its position on the carrier in all possible spatial positions of the liquid lens, which causes the liquid drop to be kept in its position on the carrier as well; and e) a temperature element arranged so as to be in thermal contact with the liquid drop in order to bring the liquid drop to a specific temperature and in order to alter the surface tension of the liquid drop by means of the specific temperature so as to adjust the focal length in this manner.