A liquid-crystal microlens with dual-layers arrayed pattern electrode for the effective modulation of incident light beams

Abstract

In this paper, an electrically controlled liquid crystal (LC) microlens array based on dual-layer arrayed planar pattern electrode is reported for effective light wave modulation. By adjusting the voltages applied to two planar arrayed electrodes within one substrate of the LC microlens, an adjustable focused circular ring or point-shaped light spot can be formed. Dual-layers arrayed pattern electrode with a minimum interval spacing of approximately ~10μm and a maximum of 130μm are achieved on one substrate by using standard microelectronic lithography, etching, coating film, and other processes. Experimental results are presented and discussed to illustrate outstanding performance of electrically focusing and modulation capability of the proposed LC device. This approach will serve as inspiration for the continued development and design of LC optical elements, enabling applications such as light field imaging, wavefront detection/correction, and the advancement of imaging augmented systems.