Open AccessAdaptive lenticular microlens array based on voltage-induced waves at the surface of polyvinyl chloride/dibutyl phthalate gels
Author(s) -
Miao Xu,
Boya Jin,
Ronghuan He,
Hongwen Ren
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.24.008142
Subject(s) - microlens , materials science , dibutyl phthalate , polyvinyl chloride , optics , anode , substrate (aquarium) , voltage , cathode , lens (geology) , optoelectronics , composite material , chemistry , electrical engineering , physics , oceanography , engineering , electrode , geology
We report a new approach to preparing a lenticular microlens array (LMA) using polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/dibutyl phthalate (DBP) gels. The PVD/DBP gels coated on a glass substrate form a membrane. With the aid of electrostatic repulsive force, the surface of the membrane can be reconfigured with sinusoidal waves by a DC voltage. The membrane with wavy surface functions as a LMA. By switching over the anode and cathode, the convex shape of each lenticular microlens in the array can be converted to the concave shape. Therefore, the LMA can present a large dynamic range. The response time is relatively fast and the driving voltage is low. With the advantages of compact structure, optical isotropy, and good mechanical stability, our LMA has potential applications in imaging, information processing, biometrics, and displays.