Preliminary investigation of an active PLZT lens

Bruce R. Peters; Patrick J. Reardon; K. Jeremy Wong

doi:10.1117/12.426800

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15 May 2001 Preliminary investigation of an active PLZT lens

Bruce R. Peters, Patrick J. Reardon, K. Jeremy Wong

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Proceedings Volume 4277, Integrated Optics Devices V; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.426800
Event: Symposium on Integrated Optics, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

The design analysis and preliminary testing of a prototype AFOCL is described. The AFOCL is an active optical component composed of solid state lead lanthanum-modified zirconate titanate (PLZT) ferroelectric ceramic with patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent surface electrodes that modulate the refractive index of the PLZT to function as an electro- optic lens. The AFOCL was developed to perform optical re- alignment and wavefront correction to enhance the performance of Ultra-Lightweight Structures and Space Observatories. The AFOCL would be an active optical component within a larger optical system. Information from a wavefront sensor would be processed to provide input to the AFOCL to drive the sense4d wavefront tot he desired shape and location. While offering variable and rapid focusing capability similar to liquid crystal based spatial light modulators, the AFOCL offers some potential advantages because it is a solid-stat, stationary, low-mass, rugged, and thin optical element that can produce wavefront quality comparable to the solid refractive lens it replaces. The AFOCL acts as a positive or negative lens by producing a parabolic phase-shift in the PLZT material through the application of a controlled voltage potential across the ITO electrodes. To demonstrate the technology, a 4 mm diameter lens was fabricated to produce 5-waves of optical power operating at 2.051 micrometers wavelength. Optical metrology was performed on the device to measure focal length, optical quality, and efficiency for a variety of test configurations. Preliminary data was analyzed and compared to idealized performance available from computer-based models of the AFOCL.

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Bruce R. Peters, Patrick J. Reardon, and K. Jeremy Wong "Preliminary investigation of an active PLZT lens", Proc. SPIE 4277, Integrated Optics Devices V, (15 May 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.426800

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