Axicons et al. - Highly aspherical adaptive optical elements for the life sciences

This paper summarizes the recent research on tunable aspherical micro optics in regard to applications in the life sciences. Particular emphasis is placed on adaptive lenses and a very special class among them, conical lenses, so-called axicons. While various mechanisms to tune the asphericity are reviewed, the focus of the discussion is placed on piezoelectric actuation because of its speed and thermal actuation because of its design freedom. The major applications in life sciences are microscopy, cell handling, and neurosciences. Possible further applications are referred to as well.