Application Cases

Experiment Name: Foveated Imaging Using Liquid Crystal Lenses

Research Direction: Liquid Crystal Lens Imaging System

Experimental Content: Application of power amplifiers in foveated imaging using liquid crystal lenses. A combined lens system was used to image objects, achieving a clear liquid crystal lens area when powered, resulting in a large field of view and local high resolution. The effects of aperture matching between the module and the liquid crystal lens, as well as the position of the liquid crystal lens, on imaging quality were experimentally measured and analyzed.

Test Objective: To demonstrate the  clear imaging effect  of the imaging system for local areas, measure the MTF of the imaging system at different positions and apertures, and analyze their impact on imaging quality.

Test Equipment: Camera, lens, function generator, ATA-2042 high-voltage amplifier, combined lens system

Experimental Procedure:

Liquid crystal lenses were prepared in the laboratory, and wavefront information was obtained through interferometry. Zernike coefficients were analyzed to derive the performance parameters of the liquid crystal lens, enabling the selection of an appropriate driving voltage.

The imaging system was assembled, and imaging experiments were conducted on objects in different areas.

The ISO12233 resolution test chart was used for focus testing of the imaging system, measuring MTF values at different apertures and different liquid crystal lens positions.

Test Results:
When the liquid crystal lens was not powered (Figure 1), it focused at infinity, causing nearby objects to appear blurred. When the liquid crystal lens was powered (Figure 2), the lens area became active, focusing on the tiger part in the image. A significant difference in clarity between the two states was observed.

Figure: ATA-2042 High-Voltage Amplifier Specifications and Parameters