Research: Tunable acoustic gradient-index lenses
In this project, which we are no longer working on, we developed tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lenses for the high-speed control of light. These lenses change their focal length in microsecond timescales, and are also capable of producing complex spatial patterns such as multi-scale Bessel beams. The lenses operate by using sound waves that are generated by a vibrating piezoelectric to rapidly modulate the local refractive index of a liquid. This leads to spatial gradients in refractive index that produce the desired lensing behavior. Applications include microscopy, machine vision, and free-space communications, among others.
This research was commercialized by the company TAG Optics, which has won numerous awards for its products, including an R&D 100 Award, a Prism Award, and honorable mention for the a href=”https://www.laserfocusworld.com/software-accessories/positioning-support-accessories/article/16561104/tag-optics-varifocal-lens-20-wins-honorable-mention-video” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Laser Focus World Innovation Award. TAG Optics has since been bought the company Mitotoyo, which continues to sell TAG lenses.
A few relevant articles include (see publications for all related articles):
- Alexandre Mermillod-Blondin, Euan McLeod, and Craig B. Arnold, “High-speed varifocal imaging with a tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lens,” Optics Letters, 33 (18) 2146-2148 (2008).
- Euan McLeod and Craig B. Arnold, “Mechanics and refractive power optimization of tunable acoustic gradient lenses,” Journal of Applied Physics 102, 033104 (2007).
- Euan McLeod, Adam B. Hopkins, and Craig B. Arnold, “Multiscale Bessel beams generated by a tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction lens,” Optics Letters 31 (21), 3155-3157 (2006).