Optical switch using a deformable liquid droplet

    Authors

    H. W. Ren;S. T. Wu

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Opt. Lett.

    Keywords

    LENS; Optics

    Abstract

    An optical switch based on a deformable liquid droplet is demonstrated. The device consists of a clear liquid droplet surrounded by a black liquid. In the voltage-off state, the incident light is absorbed by the black liquid. As the voltage increases, the dielectric force reshapes the droplet by uplifting its dome. As the dome touches the top substrate, a clear channel is opened, allowing the incident light to pass through. Once the voltage is removed, the deformed droplet relaxes back to its original shape and the channel is closed. Devices based on such an operation mechanism have potential applications in light shutters, variable optical attenuators, adaptive irises, and displays. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America

    Journal Title

    Optics Letters

    Volume

    35

    Issue/Number

    22

    Publication Date

    1-1-2010

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    3826

    Last Page

    3828

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000284261100038

    ISSN

    0146-9592

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