Optofluidic variable aperture

Abstract

A variable aperture has been fabricated and demonstrated using polydimethylsiloxane-based optofluidic technology. The device consists of a deformable membrane, an air pressure chamber, a cavity filled with light-absorbing liquid, and a rigid transparent upper plate. The working principle of the device is based on the deformable capability of the thin membrane structure and its resultant contact with the rigid plate. The contact area can be easily controlled by varying the air volume introduced and hence can serve as a light transmission aperture. Experimental results show that aperture diameter can be continuously changed from zero to 6.35 mm. © 2008 Optical Society of America.