Disclaimer: the following article has been translated from the original German to English.

Original German article.(pdf)

Translated from Laser2000 GmbH Photonic Update Q2-2008
World news: Adaptive lens for all focal length

Complex optical superstructures contain often a multiplicity of optical lenses, those correctly dimensioned, optimizes and to be co-ordinated must. An assortment from standard lenses also firmly given focal lengths the flexibility limits and special productions is expensive. The solution a new polymer lens is, of them Focal length manually and continuously over a large range adjusted will can. The APL-1050 is a single lens also variable focal length based on one totally enclosed polymer liquid. The new and singular technology draws by favorable costs at the same time high flexibility, quality and precision out and opens thereby new perspectives for the optics industry. The lens body of the APL-1050 consists of a polymer liquid, World novelty: Adaptive lens for all focal lengths surround by a polished and a AR coated substrate on the one side and a flexible diaphragm on the other side. By tricks a ring at the housing of the lens becomes liquid from a reservoir pressed into the lens body, how the diaphragm spherisch deformation itself and thus the focal length of the lens changes The new technology permits a high stability both in the short time range, i.e. no relaxations, and within the long-term range, so that a once adjusted and optimized lens can remain in the structure. The highlights of the APL-1050 in the overview: Focal length: approx. 20 mm to 1 m (manually adjustable) Transmission: approx. 90% Wavelength coverage: 200… 2200 Nm (without coating) Free aperture: > 10 mm Work temperature: -20… 60 °C Dimensions housings: 45.7 x 20.8 mm (diameter x thickness) With version for 25.4 mm of mounting plates