Adaptive properties of a liquid crystal cell with a microlens-profiled aligning surface

Abstract

An array of electrically controlled adaptive microlenses produced as a liquid crystal cell with microlens-profiled aligning surface is presented. Measurements of microlens’ adaptivity are quantitatively explained by a proposed theoretical model. Details of microlens array production and characterization are presented along with the achievable electrically controlled focal length changes for nematic liquid crystals 5CB and ZLI-4801. Effects related to liquid crystal reorientation on the curved surface of the spherical lenses are discussed.