Fluidic zoom-lens-system-on-a-chip

This paper demonstrates for the first time, fluidic zoom-lens-system-on-a-chip. The device is fabricated using standard microfabrication process. Including 10 mm image distance, the entire system is less than 18 mm long. Above all, the zooming function, telephoto function, and reverse telephoto function can all be achieved in the same device. The zooming capability is achieved via focal length tuning instead of changing the lens distance. A zoom ratio larger than 2.83 has been demonstrated on such device. The device shows a wide tunable range in its field of view from 10 to 80 degrees, which is a particularly attractive property to be incorporated, with the zooming capability, into cameras in such devices as cell phones, PDAs, notebook computers, and miniaturized inspection and surveillance systems.