Lens with Electronically Controlled Optical Properties

Executive Summary

This MSU-developed device allows for electrical control of the optical properties in a liquid lens and other optic devices. Capable of altering light’s focal point, this technology lends itself into many applications such as displays, microscopes, telescopes, interferometers, and many more.

Description of Technology

By controlling the molecular movement of the liquid within the lens, the interactions of light as it transmits through the liquid is altered from its natural state. This allows for a change in refractive index, and therefore the change in optical properties. By altering the electrical properties within the device this technology may be capable of a wide performance range not attainable with mechanical optics.

Key Benefits

• Versatile and robust
• No moving parts
• Does not rely on liquid-liquid, liquid-gas interface

Applications

• Adjustable lenses and optics
• Telescopes
• Microscopes
• Cameras
• Reading lenses
• Various interferometers
• Pixelated lenses

Patent Status: 

Patent Pending

Licensing Rights Available

Full licensing rights available

Inventors: Gary Blanchard, Greg Swain, Romana Jarosova, Ke Ma

Tech ID: TEC2018-0072