Exploring and evaluating methods of actuating an active lens

Abstract

Active lenses today have a variety of uses from photographic capabilities in small mobile devices to applications in engineering. They provide faster response times and higher portability and efficiency when compared to their traditional lens assemblies. For this project, I have evaluated two different methods of active lens actuation: using an electromagnetic actuator and using an electroactive polymer. From testing each method's abilities, it was found that the electromagnetic actuator, though robust in design poses issues over long-time use. The electromagnetic actuator was able to generate a focal power range of 11.9 to 19.2 diopters (52 to 84mm focal length range), but a high power consumption led to problems with heating the internal components of the active lens assembly. In the EAP method, a lower power consumption proved to be a viable option for actuation, and through testing and calculation, it was determined to be useful in application. However, a proposed efficient design must be further explored.