The first comprehensive survey of state-of-the-art tunable micro-optics, covering advances in materials, components and systems.

In imaging system, de-focus and astigmatism are the most common optical aberrations, and finding non-mechanical approach of correcting these aberrations is of great interest. Although non-mechanical correction of de-focus has been widely studied, astigmatism correction remains relatively unexplored. Motivated by this gap, this Ph.D. thesis focuses on the development of a new type of gradient refractive index (GRIN) liquid crystal (LC) lenses capable of non-mechanical correction of both astigmatism and de-focus. The proposed device consists of a stack of three electrically tunable cylindrical lenses that implement a concentric stripe electrode and segmented phase profile design. This system offers several advantages, including a simple, low-cost structure, a large aperture size (50 mm), low voltage drive, and a compact design. Compared to conventional mechanical approaches, this non-mechanical solution has significant potential for various applications such as wavefront correction in large telescopes, microscopy, augmented reality/virtual reality, and prescription eyeglasses. In the second part of the thesis, challenges associated with concentric electrode-based large aperture (50 mm) LC lenses with segmented phase profile designs are investigated, including haze-related and diffraction-related issues. Effective solutions are provided to enhance the optical quality of these lenses (reduction of fringing field effect with an insulator layer and inclusion of black mask). By addressing these challenges, a 50 mm aperture size electrically focus tunable LC spherical lens with enhanced optical quality is developed. The proposed tunable lenses exhibit lightweight (

From optical fundamentals to advanced applications, this comprehensive guide to micro-optics covers all the key areas for those who need an in-depth introduction to micro-optic devices, technologies, and applications. Topics covered range from basic optics, optical materials, refraction, and diffraction, to micro-mirrors, micro-lenses, diffractive optics, optoelectronics, and fabrication. Advanced topics, such as tunable and nano-optics, are also discussed. Real-world case studies and numerous worked examples are provided throughout, making complex concepts easier to follow, whilst an extensive bibliography provides a valuable resource for further study. With exercises provided at the end of each chapter to aid and test understanding, this is an ideal textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students taking courses in optics, photonics, micro-optics, microsystems, and MEMs. It is also a useful self-study guide for research engineers working on optics development.

Principles of Adaptive Optics describes the foundations, principles, and applications of adaptive optics (AO) and its enabling technologies. This leading textbook addresses the fundamentals of AO at the core of astronomy, high-energy lasers, biomedical imaging, and optical communications. Key Features: Numerous examples to explain and support the underlying principles Hundreds of new references to support the topics that are addressed End-of-chapter questions and exercises A complete system design example threaded through each chapter as new material is introduced