Electrically controllable ionic polymeric gels as adaptive optical lenses

Karim Salehpoor; Mohsen Shahinpoor; Mehran Mojarrad

doi:10.1117/12.232167

9 February 1996 Electrically controllable ionic polymeric gels as adaptive optical lenses

Karim Salehpoor, Mohsen Shahinpoor, Mehran Mojarrad

Proceedings Volume 2716, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Materials Technologies and Biomimetics; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.232167
Event: 1996 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1996, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Reversible change in optical properties of ionic polymeric gels, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (PAMPS) and polyacrylic acid plus sodium acrylate cross-linked with bisacrylamide (PAAM), under the effect of an electric field is reported. The shape of a cylindrical piece of the gel, with flat top and bottom surfaces, changed when affected by an electric field. The top surface became curved and the sense of the curvature (whether concave or convex) depended on the polarity of the applied electric field. The curvature of the surface changed from concave to convex and vice versa by changing the polarity of the electric field. By the use of an optical apparatus, focusing capability of the curved surface was verified and the focal length of the deformed gel was measured. The effect of the intensity of the applied electric field on the surface curvature and thus, on the focal length of the gel are tested. Different mechanisms are discussed; either of them or their combination may explain the surface deformation and curvature. Practical difficulties in the test procedure and the future potential of the electrically adaptive and active optical lenses are also discussed. These adaptive lenses may be considered as smart adaptive lenses for contact lens or other optical applications requiring focal point undulation.

Citation Download Citation

Karim Salehpoor, Mohsen Shahinpoor, and Mehran Mojarrad "Electrically controllable ionic polymeric gels as adaptive optical lenses", Proc. SPIE 2716, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Materials Technologies and Biomimetics, (9 February 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.232167

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