We demonstrate a tunable-focus microlens array using polymer network liquid crystals (PNLCs). PNLCs were prepared by ultraviolet (UV) light exposure through a patterned photomask. The UV-curable monomer in each of the exposed spots forms an inhomogeneous centro-symmetrical polymer network that functions as a lens when a homogeneous electric field is applied to the cell. The focal length of the ...

We investigate the effect of a single microlens on Stokes parameters. Semi-analytical formulae of the microlensed Stokes parameters are derived. The formulae not only reduce the double integrals in the estimations of those quantities but can also be approximated to a useful form in the bypass case. By using our formulation, we show that a combination of polarimetric data with photometric data e...

Traditional optical systems utilize mechanical parts (e.g., gears, motors, and drivers) to allow adjustable focusing and magnification. Emerging variable-focus microlenses have exhibited the potential to miniaturize and advance optical systems without the need for mechanical parts, impacting significantly on a multitude of fields, such as cameras, biomedical instruments, and lab-on-a-chip syste...

This paper describes several methods for the fabrication of microlenses, and demonstrates a lithographic technique that uses a microlens array to pattern the intensity of light incident on photoresist. Three different methods were used to fabricate microlenses: (i) self-assembly of transparent microspheres, (ii) melting and reflow of photoresist on glass substrates and (iii) self-assembly of li...

This paper reports a simple and effective method to fabricate microlens arrays with the ultraviolet-curable resins, and a soft mold of micro-holes array. During capillary forming operation, the surface of the soft mold of micro-holes array is being pressed against the ultraviolet-curable resin layer coated on the plastic substrate. An array of convex lense can be formed in the circular holes of...

For multielectron beam systems with a single electron source, the outside beams need to be collimated before entering the individual microcolumns. As an alternative of the traditional multibeam source design where the broad beam from the source is collimated by a single lens, the broad beam can be first split in subbeams that are focused by a microlens array and subsequently collimated by a def...

High efficiency white organic light emitting devices WOLEDs with optical outcoupling enhanced by hexagonal polymethylmethacrylate microlens arrays fabricated by imprint lithography on a glass substrate are demonstrated. Monte Carlo and finite difference time domain simulations of the emitted light are used to optimize the microlens design. The measured enhancement of light outcoupling and the a...

An in-plane liquid gradient index (L-GRIN) microlens is designed for dynamically adjusting the beam focusing. The ethylene glycol solution (core liquid) withde-ionized (DI) water (cladding liquid) is co-injected into the lens chamber to form a gradient refractive index profile. The influences of the diffusion coefficient, mass fraction of ethylene glycol and flow rate of liquids on the refracti...

The microlens-assisted microscope realizes super-resolution imaging and observation, has the advantages of no marking, damage, real-time, localization, good environmental compatibility. Liquid microlens arrays with uniformity easy manipulation can realize without complicated mechanical scanning driving. However, simply efficiently controlling distance is a key technical challenge to realization...