Liquid-crystal lens with a focal length that is variable in a wide range

A liquid-crystal (LC) lens driven by two voltages is reported. The lens has a focal length that is electrically tunable. The range of the variable focusing power is very wide, covering approximately 0.8-10.7 D. In the entire focal range the LC lens maintains high optical quality. The LC lens can be driven in a simple way to prevent the occurrence of a disclination line. The use of the LC lens in image formation is demonstrated. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.