Q: What shape can you make the lenses? Do they have to be round?

A: Lenses can indeed also be elliptical or other shapes. We have the technology to control both sphere and cylinder of non-circular lens shapes.

@Shu-i.Wang 

Q: How does the liquid lens behave under high vibration environments? 

A: 

• Non-operating conditions: survival without any problems up to 500-1000 g, depending on the lens model.
• Operating conditions:
  • Generally the market feedback is very good and vibrations have hardly ever been an issue. Nevertheless, we ran some tests, which showed that image blur becomes noticeable at accelerations >20 m/s^2 with frequencies in the range of 100-1000 Hz. The new gravity compensated lenses might perform better, but tests must still be performed.
  • We recommend placing the liquid lens behind the aperture stop to benefit for better optical performance and least sensitivity

@Citlali.Perez Campos 

Q: What are the limitations of using liquid lenses compared to conventional lenses? Such as extreme environment applications or ultra-high power lasers.

A: Our lenses should not be thought as a replacement/alternative for conventional lenses, but rather as a valuable addition to increase the flexibility and versatility of an optical system. Regarding lasers, the upper limit to the maximum power they can sustain is about 10kW (@1064nm). Our EL-10-42 liquid lens, intended for laser marking applications, is qualified for powers up to 50-100 W. (above this, the lens still survives, but thermal lensing effects impact performance). For what concerns extreme environments, our lenses go through strict reliability tests including shock tests, high temperature / high humidity tests, cycling/lifetime tests. Operating temperature can range from -20°C (below the lens “freezes” but recovers) to +120°C. For more information, we can send you additional documents/datasheets/reports about our reliability tests.