Double Sided-Design of Electrodes Driving Tunable Dielectrophoretic Miniature Lens.

We demonstrate the design methodology, geometrical analysis, device fabrication, and testing of a double-sided design (DSD) of tunable-focus dielectrophoretic liquid miniature lenses. This design is intended to reduce the driving voltage for tuning the lens, utilizing a double-sided electrode design that enhances the electric field magnitude. Fabricated devices were tested and measurements on a goniometer showed changes of up to 14° in the contact angle when the dielectrophoretic force was applied under 25 Vrms. Correspondingly, the back focal length of the liquid lens changed from 67.1 mm to 14.4 mm when the driving voltage was increased from zero to 25 Vrms. The driving voltage was significantly lower than those previously reported with similar device dimensions using single-sided electrode designs. This design allows for a range of both positive and negative menisci dependent on the volume of the lens liquid initially dispensed.