Electromechanically driven variable-focus lens based on transparent dielectric elastomer

• Published in: Applied optics. Optical technology and biomedical optics Vol. 51; no. 15; p. 2987
• Main Authors: Son, Sang-ik, Pugal, David, Hwang, Taeseon, Choi, Hyouk Ryeol, Koo, Ja Choon, Lee, Youngkwan, Kim, Kwang, Nam, Jae-Do
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 20.05.2012
• ISSN: 2155-3165
• DOI: 10.1364/AO.51.002987

Dielectric elastomers with low elastic stiffness and high dielectric constant are smart materials that produce large strains (up to 300%) and belong to the group of electroactive polymers. Dielectric elastomer actuators are made from films of dielectric elastomers coated on both sides with compliant electrode material. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), which is known as a transparent conducting polymer, has been widely used as an interfacial layer or polymer electrode in polymer electronic devices. In this study, we propose the transparent dielectric elastomer as a material of actuator driving variable-focus lens system using PEDOT as a transparent electrode. The variable-focus lens module has light transmittance up to 70% and maximum displacement up to 450. When voltage is applied to the fabricated lens module, optical focal length is changed. We anticipate our research to be a starting point for new model of variable-focus lens system. This system could find applications in portable devices, such as digital cameras, camcorder, and cell phones.