Engineers are available to assist.
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Integrate liquid lenses into imaging assemblies for quick autofocus |
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Compensate for different object sizes and working distances |
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Increase throughput in high-speed machine vision systems |
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Ideal for barcode reading, rapid automation, package sorting, and security |
Conventional imaging lenses struggle to capture sharp and accurate images in high-speed or precise applications that require quick refocusing. Liquid lenses overcome these limitations by quickly adjusting focus to accommodate for objects located at various working distances or objects of different heights. Liquid lenses are small cells containing optical-grade liquid that change their shape when a current or voltage is applied. This occurs within a matter of milliseconds and causes the lens’ optical power, and therefore focal length and working distance, to shift. Integrating liquid lenses into imaging systems is an ideal solution for applications requiring rapid focusing, high throughput, and accommodation for depth of field and working distance.
Liquid lenses can function by several slightly different processes: electrowetting, current-driven polymers, or sound piezoelectrics. Electrically-focused liquid lenses consist of a container filled with optical fluid and a surrounding polymer membrane. A current-driven actuator applies pressure to the edges of the membrane, causing the curvature of the lens (and therefore its optical power) to change. Electrically-focused tunable lenses focus within milliseconds and function with low operating voltages. They do not alter polarization, typically have high laser damage thresholds, and introduce minimal aberrations.
Figure 3: Electrically-focused liquid lens technology.
The video below shows a demonstration of how liquid lens technology can be used to inspect objects of different heights.
To learn more about liquid lens applications, features, and technologies, please read our application note.
TECHSPEC® Liquid Lens Cx Series Fixed Focal Length Lenses combine a high-resolution optical design with an integrated liquid lens for quick autofocus solution. Their modular design makes it easy to access the liquid lens and the C-Mount threading simplifies integration into machine vision and factory automation systems.
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TECHSPEC® MercuryTL™ Liquid Lens Telecentric Lenses combine the parallax error correction of telecentric lenses with the flexibility of an integrated liquid lens, allowing for rapid working-distance adjustment. They maintain telecentricity, image performance, and distortion throughout their full working distance range.
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TECHSPEC® Liquid Lens M12 Imaging Lenses achieve superior imaging performance and quick electronic focus by combining a compact high-resolution and high-throughput f/2.4 optical design with an integrated liquid lens. The liquid lens can also be rotated 180° inside the imaging lens for easy access to the liquid lens control cable.
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TECHSPEC® Tunable Compact Objective Liquid Lens Assemblies integrate a liquid lens with compact 2X and 5X magnification objectives, facilitating quick electronic working distance adjustment. They are ideal for a variety of biomedical and machine vision applications including focus stacking and microscopic industrial inspection.
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PixeLINK® USB 3.0 Autofocus Liquid Lens Cameras seamlessly integrate and control liquid lenses with one-push autofocus and high speed movement. Connecting the liquid lens directly to the camera allows for fast, continuous focus control. This easy to use autofocus system makes these cameras ideal for high speed applications such as bar code reading, inspection, and biomedical applications.
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Optotune Electrically Focus-Tunable Lenses offer a single-lens solution for continuous focusability. They can replace the functionality of a complete multi-lens system, offering the on-demand adaptability needed to avoid the complex mechanical manipulation associated with a complex lens assembly.
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Variable Focus Liquid Lenses consist of a conductive liquid deposited on a flat, conductive substrate. The lenses vary their shape when voltage is applied, resulting in a variable focal length requiring less power than a traditional autofocus lens. They can operate regardless of orientation, are designed with a stable optical axis, and feature AR Coatings optimized for excellent transmission in the visible spectrum.
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The Dynamic Focus VZM™ Lens maintains the zoom capabilities of a standard VZM™ Zoom Imaging Lenses while using an internal Optotune liquid lens to conveniently and seamlessly adjust focus over a 7X range, from 0.65X to 4.6X. Dynamic Focus VZM Lenses utilize liquid lens technology to allow for magnification adjustment without altering working distance.
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How quickly can liquid lenses change between different focus positions?
What aperture sizes are available in liquid lenses from Edmund Optics®?
Variable Focus Liquid Lenses come in aperture sizes ranging from 2.5-3.9mm and Optotune Electrically Focus-Tunable Lenses come in aperture sizes ranging from 3-26mm.
Can I integrate a liquid lens into another type of lens, such as a fixed focal length lens?
Yes, we can integrate liquid lenses into other types of lenses as a custom request. We also offer the modular Cx Series Fixed Focal Length Lenses, in which you can integrate interchangeable accessories including liquid lenses, fixed apertures, and internal filter holders.
How do I use a C-Mount Focus Tunable Lens in combination with a fixed focal length lens assembly?
A thread adapter can be used to connect a C-Mount Focus Tunable Lens directly onto the filter threads of a fixed focal length lens assembly. To learn more, visit our Using C-Mount Focus Tunable Lenses application note.
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