Tunable liquid crystal microlens array using hole patterned electrode structure with ultrathin glass slab.

A configuration of hole patterned electrode liquid crystal microlens array with an ultrathin glass slab was fabricated. To reduce the fringing electric field effect and avoid the occurrence of disclination lines, an ultrathin glass slab was introduced between the patterned electrode and liquid crystal layer. The glass slab thickness played an important role in effecting the optical performance of the liquid crystal microlens array. An optimum thickness of 30 μm was selected employing numerical simulation method. Using this method, we demonstrated a microlens array that greatly improved the phase profile and focus power. The dynamic focal range of the liquid crystal microlens array may extend from <1.2 mm to >8 mm and the minimum diameter of the focus spot could be as small as 15 µm.