ADAPTIVE-FOCUS LENS

Objectives:

1. To develop liquid crystal/liquid zoom lens for cell phones, optometry and automotives

2. To invent a lens whose focus is insensitive to the object distance

3. To investigate nanoscale liquid crystal devices for bio-inspired optics

4. To develop dynamic foveated imaging to mimic human vision

Accomplishments:

1. Demonstrated a foveated imaging system using a high resolution transmissive spatial light modulator

2. Invented new gradient-index liquid crystal lenses and microlens array with tunable focal length. These new devices are expected to impact the future bio-photonics and optometry.

3. Invented tunable-focus liquid lenses

4. Secured several key patents

Team Members: Dr. Hongwen Ren, David Fox, and Tracy Xu.