SWITCHABLE OPTICAL ELEMENT

摘要

A switchable optical element is described, along with a method of manufacturing such an element. The switchable optical element (1) comprises a fluid chamber (2) including immiscible first and second bodies of fluid (20, 22) disposed relative to one another along an optical axis (A) of the element (1). The second body of fluid (22) is movable in a direction away from the optical axis (A) by electro-wetting action, giving the switchable optical element (1) a changeable transmissivity along the optical axis (A). The switchable optical element (1) is suitable for use as an optical attenuator, e.g. a shutter, filter or diaphragm, and can be conveniently used in place of mechanical alternatives in applications such as cameras, laser resonant cavities, projectors and devices for scanning optical record carriers.