Tubular Optofluidics

在管状光学流体的头两年，已经证明了管状几何形状的三维光流控系统是可行的。在这项为期一年的后续研究项目中，我们计划进一步研究和发展管状光学流体的两个方面，即加入可调光圈和设计和演示可调多元素变焦系统。光圈是大多数光学系统中的重要组成部分，而光圈直径的可调谐对于可调系统来说是必不可少的。为此，在第一个工作阶段设计了一个通过电润湿调节的流控孔径，设计成与先前实现的光流控元件集成在一起。光圈将基于管状铝箔中的埋入电极，这是一种类似于透镜和棱镜的驱动结构。该项目的最后一步是设计和实现一个全功能的多元素射流变焦系统，该系统使用早期开发的可调部件。这种多组分光流体系统以前从未被演示过，它的成功实施将为全新形式的高度通用的光流控微系统提供基础。提出的概念将依赖于通过电润湿驱动的可调光流控元件的集成。多组分系统由两个可调谐的射流透镜元件设计，将需要广泛的模拟和设计，使用分析建模和光线跟踪模拟。制造一种先进的电极箔以及开发高度可控的液体加药工艺将是实现这一目标的关键部分。建成后，可调的全液体光流变焦系统将是有史以来展示的第一个此类系统，展示了三维光流控技术的力量。

In the first two years of Tubular Optofluidics, it was shown that three dimensional optofluidic systems in a tubular geometry are feasible. A tunable lens; an astigmatism-tunable lens; and a rotational fluidic prism and scanner were developed and demonstrated.In this proposed one-year follow-up research project, we propose to research and develop two further aspects of Tubular Optofluidics, namely the incorporation of a tunable aperture and the design and demonstration of a tunable multi-element zoom system.An aperture is an essential component in most optical systems, and tunability of the aperture diameter is essential for tunable systems. For this reason, a fluidic aperture tuned by electrowetting is planned for the first work phase, designed to be integrated with the previously realized optofluidic elements. The aperture will be based on a buried electrode in the tubular foil, an actuation structure similar to that of the lens and prism. The final and crowning step for the project is then the design and realizationof a fully functional multi-element fluidic zoom system using the tunable components developed in the earlier stages. Such a multi-component optofluidic system has never been demonstrated previously and its successful implementation would provide the basis for entirely new forms of highly versatile optofluidic microsystems.The proposed concept will rely on the integration of the tunable optofluidic elements actuated by electrowetting. The multi-component system, designed with two tunable fluidic lens elements, will require extensive simulation and design, using analytical modeling as well as ray-tracing simulation. Fabrication of an advanced electrode foil as well as development of highly controlled liquid dosing processes will be essential parts of its realization. When completed, the tunable all-liquid optofluidic zoom system will be the first of its kind ever demonstrated, showing the power of three-dimensional optofluidic technology.