An Electrically Tunable Zoom System Using Liquid Lenses

A four-group stabilized zoom system using two liquid lenses and two fixed lens groups is proposed. We describe the design principle, realization, and the testing of a 5.06:1 zoom system. The realized effective focal length (EFL) range is 6.93 mm to 35.06 mm, and the field of view (FOV) range is 8° to 40°. The system can zoom fast when liquid lens 1’s (L(1)’s) optical power take the value from 0.0087 mm(−1) to 0.0192 mm(−1) and liquid lens 2’s (L(2)’s) optical power take the value from 0.0185 mm(−1) to −0.01 mm(−1). Response time of the realized zoom system was less than 2.5 ms, and the settling time was less than 15 ms.The analysis of elements’ parameters and the measurement of lens performance not only verify the design principle further, but also show the zooming process by the use of two liquid lenses. The system is useful for motion carriers e.g., robot, ground vehicle, and unmanned aerial vehicles considering that it is fast, reliable, and miniature.