Liquid-crystal microlens arrays using patterned polymer networks

A real-time dynamically tunable-focus microlens array made from a polymer-liquid-crystal (LC) composite is demonstrated. The polymer was first patterned in microlens array cavities by lamination, and the LC-monomer mixture was then injected to the molded polymer cavities and finally stabilized by UV light-induced networks. Using this new fabrication method, we demonstrated a lens with a spherical shape and a glazed surface. This LC-based microlens can reach similar to100% light efficiency for linearly polarized light. The saturation voltage of the lens is similar to60 V-max and the response time is similar to30 ms. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.