Low aberrations symmetrical adaptive modal liquid crystal lens with short focal lengths

We describe the design, fabrication, and characterization of modal liquid crystal lenses (MLCLs) with a symmetrical electrode structure using a resistive composite polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT-PSS). We achieved MLCLs with shorter focal lengths (up to 1 cm), shorter apertures (1 to 5 mm), and lower aberrations compared to other MLCLs. We demonstrate a very uniform conductivity distribution in the PEDOT-PSS layers over a wide resistivity range (100 k Omega/sq-10 M Omega/sq) combined with a symmetrical electrode structure, enabling us to manufacture MLCLs with short f-numbers, large depths of focus, and low aberrations. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America