Active Optics With Room Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber

T. P. Caudell; F. M. Smolka

doi:10.1117/12.955625

14 November 1977 Active Optics With Room Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber

T. P. Caudell, F. M. Smolka

Proceedings Volume 0115, Advances in Replicated and Plastic Optics; (1977) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955625
Event: 21st Annual Technical Symposium, 1977, San Diego, United States

Abstract

A novel method of constructing variable focal length lens employing clear two component room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone rubber is presented. Deformation of the lens is achieved by symmetrically applying pressure through a fluid to a slab of RTV-rubber in such a manner as to change the shape with minimum optical distortion. The theory of deformation of a flexible slab is presented and the optical manifestations predicted. Two different configurations of the variable focal length lens were constructed and experiments performed to measure refraction as well as surface properties. It is found that to first order the theory and experiment agree well. With this theoretical tool expanded to higher orders, new and interesting optical designs should be possible using RTV-rubber lens.

Citation Download Citation

T. P. Caudell and F. M. Smolka "Active Optics With Room Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone Rubber", Proc. SPIE 0115, Advances in Replicated and Plastic Optics, (14 November 1977); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.955625

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