MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus Control

As microelectronic devices become more prevalent daily, miniaturization is emerging as a key trend, particularly in optical systems. Optical systems with volume scanning and imaging capabilities heavily rely on focus control. The traditional focus tuning method restricts the miniaturization of optic...

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Main Authors: Chen Liu, Tong Wang, Xin Wang, Manpeng Chang, Yu Jian, Weimin Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Micromachines
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/4/482
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author Chen Liu
Tong Wang
Xin Wang
Manpeng Chang
Yu Jian
Weimin Wang
author_facet Chen Liu
Tong Wang
Xin Wang
Manpeng Chang
Yu Jian
Weimin Wang
author_sort Chen Liu
collection DOAJ
description As microelectronic devices become more prevalent daily, miniaturization is emerging as a key trend, particularly in optical systems. Optical systems with volume scanning and imaging capabilities heavily rely on focus control. The traditional focus tuning method restricts the miniaturization of optical systems due to its complex structure and large volume. The recent rapid development of MEMS varifocal optical elements has provided sufficient opportunities for miniaturized optical systems. Here, we review the literature on MEMS varifocal optical elements over the past two decades. Based on light control mechanisms, MEMS varifocal optical elements are divided into three categories: reflective varifocal mirrors, varifocal microlenses, and phased varifocal mirrors. A novel indicator is introduced to evaluate and compare the performance of MEMS varifocal optical elements. A wide range of applications is also discussed. This review can serve as a reference for relevant researchers and engineers.
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institution OA Journals
issn 2072-666X
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publishDate 2025-04-01
publisher MDPI AG
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series Micromachines
spelling doaj-art-cab4eb63afbe4368b4844a071deb8b592025-08-20T02:18:10ZengMDPI AGMicromachines2072-666X2025-04-0116448210.3390/mi16040482MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus ControlChen Liu0Tong Wang1Xin Wang2Manpeng Chang3Yu Jian4Weimin Wang5Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, ChinaKey Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, ChinaKey Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, ChinaKey Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, ChinaKey Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, ChinaKey Laboratory of Optoelectronic Technology and Systems, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, ChinaAs microelectronic devices become more prevalent daily, miniaturization is emerging as a key trend, particularly in optical systems. Optical systems with volume scanning and imaging capabilities heavily rely on focus control. The traditional focus tuning method restricts the miniaturization of optical systems due to its complex structure and large volume. The recent rapid development of MEMS varifocal optical elements has provided sufficient opportunities for miniaturized optical systems. Here, we review the literature on MEMS varifocal optical elements over the past two decades. Based on light control mechanisms, MEMS varifocal optical elements are divided into three categories: reflective varifocal mirrors, varifocal microlenses, and phased varifocal mirrors. A novel indicator is introduced to evaluate and compare the performance of MEMS varifocal optical elements. A wide range of applications is also discussed. This review can serve as a reference for relevant researchers and engineers.https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/4/482MOEMSfocus controlvarifocal mirrortunable lensmicro-optical system
spellingShingle Chen Liu
Tong Wang
Xin Wang
Manpeng Chang
Yu Jian
Weimin Wang
MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus Control
Micromachines
MOEMS
focus control
varifocal mirror
tunable lens
micro-optical system
title MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus Control
title_full MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus Control
title_fullStr MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus Control
title_full_unstemmed MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus Control
title_short MEMS Varifocal Optical Elements for Focus Control
title_sort mems varifocal optical elements for focus control
topic MOEMS
focus control
varifocal mirror
tunable lens
micro-optical system
url https://www.mdpi.com/2072-666X/16/4/482
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AT manpengchang memsvarifocalopticalelementsforfocuscontrol
AT yujian memsvarifocalopticalelementsforfocuscontrol
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