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Reconfigurable and responsive droplet-based compound micro-lenses

Author

Listed:
  • Sara Nagelberg

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Lauren D. Zarzar

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    The Pennsylvania State University)

  • Natalie Nicolas

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Kaushikaram Subramanian

    (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics)

  • Julia A. Kalow

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Northwestern University)

  • Vishnu Sresht

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Daniel Blankschtein

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • George Barbastathis

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Moritz Kreysing

    (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics)

  • Timothy M. Swager

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Mathias Kolle

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

Micro-scale optical components play a crucial role in imaging and display technology, biosensing, beam shaping, optical switching, wavefront-analysis, and device miniaturization. Herein, we demonstrate liquid compound micro-lenses with dynamically tunable focal lengths. We employ bi-phase emulsion droplets fabricated from immiscible hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon liquids to form responsive micro-lenses that can be reconfigured to focus or scatter light, form real or virtual images, and display variable focal lengths. Experimental demonstrations of dynamic refractive control are complemented by theoretical analysis and wave-optical modelling. Additionally, we provide evidence of the micro-lenses’ functionality for two potential applications—integral micro-scale imaging devices and light field display technology—thereby demonstrating both the fundamental characteristics and the promising opportunities for fluid-based dynamic refractive micro-scale compound lenses.

Suggested Citation

  • Sara Nagelberg & Lauren D. Zarzar & Natalie Nicolas & Kaushikaram Subramanian & Julia A. Kalow & Vishnu Sresht & Daniel Blankschtein & George Barbastathis & Moritz Kreysing & Timothy M. Swager & Mathi, 2017. "Reconfigurable and responsive droplet-based compound micro-lenses," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-9, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms14673
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14673
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