TWI525802B - Zoom lens, optical device, method for manufacturing the same, and handheld electronic device comprising the same - Google Patents

Description

Zoom lens, optical device, method for manufacturing the same, and handheld device therewith Electronic device

The present invention relates to an optical system and a method of fabricating the same; and, more particularly, to a zoom lens system and a method of fabricating the same.

The alignment of the various components in the optical system is an important factor in achieving optimal system performance and a desired image quality. The proliferation of small optical systems for, for example, various handheld devices, such as mobile phones and hand-held cameras, poses more challenges to alignment tolerances, and thus the optical components in such devices have a small size. Therefore, there is a need to improve the alignment of components in an optical system to achieve optimal performance while minimizing the overall form factor of the system. Moreover, it is necessary to minimize the size of optical systems used for, for example, consumer devices such as telephones and hand-held cameras.

The disclosed embodiments are directed to systems and methods for improving the alignment of optical components in an optical system. The disclosed embodiments are directed to a miniature zoom lens system and method of making and assembling the same that can produce a small lens system in a simplified manner. In certain exemplary embodiments, the disclosed embodiments are used to align a variable focus lens of an optical system to reduce The overall size of the system while optimizing its performance.

In systems with moving optics, such as zoom lens systems, the alignment of the optical components is complicated by their mobility. In some systems, the optical components move only along the optical axis (ie, along the z-axis) such that alignment along the optical axis is particularly important. Alternatively or additionally, in some systems (eg, in an Alvarez-like lens configuration), the optical assembly can be moved perpendicular to the optical axis such that each of the dimensions is properly aligned Components are more challenging. In systems where the components used have an aspherical or free surface, the alignment problems can be further exacerbated since such components may not have an axis of symmetry.

The disclosed embodiments attempt to provide methods and systems that correctly align optical components by moving the optical components along the z-axis (ie, the optical axis) and perpendicular to the z-axis to maintain The optical system captures the quality of the image while minimizing the length of the optical path. Using a free lens (such as an Avarez lens), in addition to moving the lens and other optical components along the z-axis, an image can be achieved in a small space by actuating the lens at right angles to the z-axis. Best focus and zoom.

A reduction in the length of the optical path results in a reduction in the overall size of the optical system due to the reduced space required to carry an image through the system lens. Thus, optimal alignment of lens elements in a micro-optical system in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosed embodiments results in devices having such systems (e.g., mobile phones and digital cameras) having smaller optical systems. The reduction in size of the optical system allows such a device to have more room for placement of other components, such as batteries and processors, or to reduce its overall size. As these devices become smaller and smaller, the miniaturization of key technology components is critical to maintaining the competitive advantage of the companies that manufacture and sell such devices.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to an integrated optical device that is integrated The device comprises: an elastic suspension fixture made by a first process; and an optical component integrated into the elastic suspension fixture. The optical component is fabricated using a second process. In an exemplary embodiment, the first process includes one of the following processes: an injection molding process; an in-mold decoration process; a hot stamping process; a metal stamping process; and a micromachining process. For making a chip-based mold; or an insert molding process. In another exemplary embodiment, the second process comprises one of the following processes: an injection molding process; a casting from a molde process; an in-mold decoration process; and a hot stamping process. Process; a metal stamping process; a micromachining process for making a wafer-based mold; or an insert molding process.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the integrated optical device further comprises one or more of: a frame; one or more alignment structures; an actuator for displacing the optical component; one or more additional Optical element; one or more additional elastic elements; or one or more rigid elements. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the resilient mount is configured to move the optical element in one or more directions. In still another exemplary embodiment, the resilient mount is configured to move the optical element in three dimensions.

In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary optical device further includes an actuator for displacing the elastic feature thereby displacing the optical element. In another exemplary embodiment, the optical element comprises at least one of a surface: a spherical surface, an aspheric surface, or a free surface.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a zoom lens comprising the above described integrated optical device. Yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to an integrated light comprising the above Handheld electronic device for learning devices.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a method for processing an integrated optical device, the method comprising: obtaining a first mold, the first mold being configured to form a resilient suspension fixture Injecting a first injection material into the first mold; and placing a second mold to contact the first mold and the first injection material in the first mold, wherein the structure of the second mold is configured to An optical component is formed. The method also includes: injecting a second injection material into the second mold; removing the second mold; and removing the first mold to obtain the elastic suspension fixture, the optical element being integrated into the elasticity Suspend the fixture.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first injection material comprises a first polymer, the first polymer is adapted to form the elastic suspension fixture, and the second injection material comprises a second polymer, the first The dipolymer is suitable for forming the optical element. In another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes refining the structure of the unitary optical device with a precision machining tool. In still another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: placing a third mold in contact with the first mold and the first injection material before removing the first mold, wherein the structure of the third mold is configured Forming an additional component; and injecting a third injection material into the third mold.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the additional component is one of: an additional optical component; an additional resilient fastener; or a rigid fixture. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional component is an alignment fixture. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the components in the unitary optical device are positioned with a tolerance of between 1 micrometer and 5 micrometers. In another exemplary embodiment, the third injection material is the same material as one of the first injection material and the second injection material.

In an exemplary embodiment, the structure of the first mold is further configured to Contains a groove for placing an actuator. In another exemplary embodiment, the above method further includes integrating a metal frame into the elastic suspension fixture. In another exemplary embodiment, the metal frame is formed using a metal stamping technique.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a method for processing an integrated optical device, the method comprising: obtaining a first mold, the first mold being configured to form a resilient suspension fixture And an optical component; injecting a first injection material into the first mold; injecting a second injection material into the first mold; and removing the first mold to obtain the elastic suspension incorporating the optical element Set the fixture.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a method for processing an integrated optical device, the method comprising: obtaining a mold configured to form a resilient suspension fixture and accommodating a An optical component; placing the optical component in the mold; injecting a first injection material into the mold to form an elastic suspension fixture; and removing the mold to obtain the elastic suspension incorporating the optical component Set the fixture. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical component is cast from a mold prior to placing the optical component in the mold.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a miniature zoom lens system including: a first prism positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of one of the microlens systems via a first side of the first prism And bending the received light by about 90 degrees before exiting the light from the second side of the first prism; and at least one first varifocal lens positioned to receive from the The light emitted by the second side of the prism. The micro zoom lens system further includes: at least one base lens positioned to receive the light after the light passes through the first variable focus lens; a detector positioned to pass the light The base lens Receiving the light; and a first actuator configured to move the first variable focus lens in at least one direction that is perpendicular to the propagation of the light through the first variable focus lens Axis.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the masks of the first prism has a free surface. In another exemplary embodiment, the first variable focus lens is one of: a liquid crystal lens, a liquid lens, or an Alvarez-like lens. In another exemplary embodiment, the detector includes a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). In still another exemplary embodiment, the first actuator comprises one of a coil or a magnet. In still another exemplary embodiment, the micro zoom lens system includes a structural platform such that one of the following is directly molded on the structural platform, fabricated on the structural platform, or integrated with the structural platform. Integral: the first prism, a second prism, the first variable focal length lens, or a second variable focal length lens. In an exemplary embodiment, the structural platform includes a spring flexure element. In another exemplary embodiment, the structural platform includes a frame and an arm.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the structural platform frame comprises a lead frame metal structure, one or more of which are: a metal stamping structure, a laser cutting structure, a grinding structure ( Milled structure), an etched structure, or a molded structure. In such an exemplary embodiment, the arm system is molded on the lead frame structure, and the first prism, a second prism, the first variable focal length lens, or a second variable focal length lens One or more of them are molded on the lead frame.

In an exemplary embodiment, a wafer level optical component having a preformed lens element is bonded to the platform. In another exemplary embodiment, the first actuator is There is a voice-coil actuator of a bidirectional drive. In still another exemplary embodiment, the micro zoom lens system also includes a second actuator that is configured to cause the micro zoom lens system to be other than the first variable focus lens. An optical component moves. In still another exemplary embodiment, the second actuator and the first actuator are configured to cause both the optical component and the first variable focus lens except the first variable focal length lens Shift the same distance in the same direction. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical component other than the first variable focal length lens is one of: a second variable focal length lens, the at least one base lens, the first prism, or a Second prism.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the first variable focal length lens has a rectangular or elliptical cross section that encompasses only one of the first variable focal length lens's active area . In another exemplary embodiment, the micro zoom lens system further includes a second variable focal length lens, the second variable focus lens being positioned to reach the at least the light emitted from the first variable focus lens A substrate lens receives the light before. In still another exemplary embodiment, the second variable focus lens has a rectangular or elliptical cross section that encloses only one of the substantially variable effective areas of the second variable focus lens. In still another embodiment, the first variable focus lens and the second variable focus lens are movable relative to each other to provide optical zoom capability to the lens system.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one base lens is configured to move along an optical axis of the base lens to provide optical focusing capability to the lens system solely by movement of the base lens. In another exemplary embodiment, one or more of the first variable focal length lens, the second variable focus lens, or the at least one base lens are: a liquid lens, a liquid crystal lens, and a Based on micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) a lens, an Avarez lens, a piezo-based lens, or a combination thereof. In another exemplary embodiment, the spring flexure is one of a simple beam flexure or a cascaded beam flexure.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a miniature zoom lens system including: a first prism positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of one of the microlens systems via a first side of the first prism And bending the received light by about 90 degrees before exiting the light from the second side of the first prism; and a first variable focus lens positioned to receive the second from the prism The light that emerges from the surface. The miniature zoom lens system also includes: a second variable focus lens positioned to receive the light emitted from the first variable focus lens; at least one base lens positioned to pass the second through the light Receiving the light after the varifocal lens; a second prism positioned to receive the light exiting the at least one base lens via a first side of the second prism and to cause the light to be from the second prism Before the second surface exits, the light received by the second prism is bent by about 90 degrees; a detector is positioned to receive the light after the light exits the second prism; and at least one actuator Causing to move one or both of the first variable focus lens and the second variable focus lens in at least one direction perpendicular to the first variable focal length lens or the first The propagation axis of the light of the two variable focal length lens.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a miniature zoom lens system comprising: a first variable focus lens positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of the microlens system; a first prism positioned Receiving the light emitted from the first variable focal length lens via a first side of the first prism, and causing the light to be emitted from the second side of the first prism The received light is bent by about 90 degrees; a second variable focal length lens is determined Positioning the light that is received from the first prism; at least one base lens positioned to receive the light after the light passes through the second variable focus lens; and a second prism positioned to pass the second prism Receiving, by the first side, the light emitted from the at least one base lens, and bending the light received by the second prism by about 90 degrees before the light is emitted from the second side of the second prism a detector positioned to receive the light after the light exits the second prism; and at least one actuator configured to cause the first variable focus lens and the second variable focus lens One or both of them move in at least one direction that is perpendicular to a propagation axis of the light passing through the first variable focus lens or the second variable focus lens.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second prism is oriented such that the detector and the inlet of the micro zoom lens system are placed on the same side of the micro zoom lens system. In another exemplary embodiment, the second prism is oriented such that the detector is placed on one side of the miniature zoom lens system, the side being opposite the entrance of the miniature zoom lens system.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to a miniature zoom lens system comprising: a first variable focus lens positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of the microlens system; a first prism positioned Receiving the light emitted from the first variable focal length lens via a first side of the first prism, and causing the light to be emitted from the second side of the first prism Receiving the light bent about 90 degrees; a second variable focus lens positioned to receive the light exiting the first prism; at least one base lens positioned to pass the second variable focus Receiving the light after the lens; a detector positioned along the optical axis of the at least one base lens to receive the light after the light exits the at least one base lens; and at least one actuator for One or both of the first variable focal length lens and the second variable focus lens move in at least one direction, the at least one direction being perpendicular to passing through the first variable focus The propagation axis of the light from the lens or the second variable focus lens.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first variable focal length lens and the first prism are formed as an integrated structure, thereby shortening the optical path length of light propagating through the microlens system. . In another exemplary embodiment, one or more optical elements of the first variable focus lens are positioned to position the first variable focus lens to have one lens having a negative optical power, and One or more optical elements of the second variable focus lens are positioned to position the second variable focus lens to have one of the positive refractive powers.

In still another exemplary embodiment, one or more optical elements of the first variable focus lens are positioned to position the first variable focus lens to have one lens having a positive refractive power, and the second variable One or more optical elements of the focal length lens are positioned to position the second variable focus lens to have a lens having a negative refractive power. In still another exemplary embodiment, one or more optical components of the first variable focal length lens are movable such that one of the first variable focus lenses has a refractive power corresponding to the first variable focal length lens The movement of one or more optical elements changes. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more optical components of the second variable focal length lens are movable to cause one of the second variable focal length lenses to have a refractive power corresponding to the one of the first variable focal length lenses Or the movement of a plurality of optical elements changes.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to an Avarez lens configuration comprising a first optical component and a second optical component, each optical component comprising two surfaces, the two surfaces being substantially perpendicular to the The optical axis of one of the optical elements, the first surface of each of the optical elements is a plane, and the second surface of each of the optical elements is a surface characterized by a polynomial. The first optical element is positioned at a specific distance from the second optical element such that the second surface of the first optical element faces the second surface of the second optical element, the first light Each of the learning element and the second optical element is arranged to move substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiment relates to an Avarez lens configuration comprising a first optical component and a second optical component, wherein each of the optical components comprises two surfaces, the two surfaces being substantially perpendicular to The Avarez lens is configured with one of the optical axes. One of the first surfaces of each of the optical elements is a free surface, and one of the second surfaces of each of the optical elements is a surface characterized by a polynomial. The first optical element is positioned at a specific distance from the second optical element such that the second surface of the first optical element faces the second surface of the second optical element, the first optical element Each of the second optical elements is arranged to move substantially perpendicular to the optical axis.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first optical element is configured to move in synchronization with the second optical element in a direction opposite the movement of the second optical element. In another exemplary embodiment, the first optical element and the second optical element are arranged to move the same amount in opposite directions perpendicular to the optical axis.

In certain embodiments associated with any of the above systems, a z-axis height of at least 6 mm is achieved. In certain embodiments associated with any of the above systems, a field of view between 60 degrees and 75 degrees is achieved.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments relates to a method for fabricating a microlens system, the method comprising: fabricating a structural platform comprising a frame and an arm; and after fabricating the structural platform, and As a step separate from the fabrication of the structural platform, a plurality of optical components are molded on the frame of the structural platform, the optical components comprising: a first variable focal length lens, a first prism, and a first substrate lens. In an exemplary embodiment The fabricating the structural platform includes molding the arm onto the frame of the structural platform. In another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: connecting one or more actuators to the arm of the structural platform, the one or more actuators coupled to one or more of the optical elements To move the one or more optical components. In still another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes bonding a wafer level optical component to the structural platform, the wafer level optical component having a preformed lens component.

a~d‧‧‧ operation

1~4‧‧‧ components

400~600‧‧‧A group of operations

402~412‧‧‧ operation

502~508‧‧‧ operation

702‧‧ ‧ Prism

704‧‧‧Scalable lens

706‧‧‧Scalable lens

708‧‧ ‧ Prism

710‧‧‧ CMOS detector

712‧‧‧ aperture

714‧‧‧Fixed/matrix lens

802‧‧ ‧ Prism

804‧‧‧Scalable lens

806‧‧‧Scalable lens

808‧‧ ‧ Prism

810‧‧‧ CMOS detector

812‧‧‧ aperture

904‧‧‧Lens-like components/integral variable focal length lens and prism

906‧‧‧Scalable lens

910‧‧‧ CMOS detector

912‧‧ ‧ aperture

914‧‧‧Fixed/matrix lens set

1004‧‧‧Avarez lens

1006‧‧‧Avalez lens

1010‧‧‧Detector

1014‧‧‧Fixed/matrix lens set

1104‧‧ Avarez lens

1106‧‧‧Avalez lens

1110‧‧‧Detector

1114‧‧‧Fixed/matrix lens set

1202‧‧‧First zoom lens

1204‧‧‧Second variable focal length lens

1302‧‧‧First zoom lens

1304‧‧‧Second variable focal length lens

1307‧‧‧ operation

1700‧‧‧A set of operations

1 is a diagram showing the relationship between dimensional tolerances and component dimensions of one precision injection molding method performed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments and other techniques; and FIG. 2 illustrates an example of manufacturing an integrated optical system according to an exemplary embodiment. Performing a series of operations; FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of one of the molded structures in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 4 illustrates a group of operations that may be performed when manufacturing an integrated optical device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates one set of operations that may be performed when manufacturing an integrated optical device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 6 illustrates that may be performed when an integrated optical device is fabricated in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. A set of operations; FIG. 7 illustrates an optical system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment in which the optical path is folded twice and the variable focus lens is positioned between the folding optics; and FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary implementation according to an exemplary embodiment. An optical system in which the variable focus lens is located At the window, the optical path is folded before reaching the second variable focus lens and is folded again before reaching the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) detector; FIG. 9 illustrates one optical according to an exemplary embodiment. a system comprising: a variable focus lens element integrated with a prism element and a CMOS detector placed vertically upright; FIG. 10 is a light pattern of an optical system according to an exemplary embodiment; 1 is a ray diagram of an optical system according to another exemplary embodiment; FIG. 12 illustrates a varifocal lens including a planar surface according to one of the exemplary embodiments; FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment according to an exemplary embodiment One pair of variable focal length lenses including a free surface; FIG. 14 illustrates an effective area of an Avarez lens according to an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary prismatic element having a free surface, The prismatic element can be used in at least one optical system of the disclosed embodiment; FIG. 16 illustrates an integrated lens platform and related components in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and FIG. 17 is illustrated in According to an exemplary embodiment may perform one set of operations when manufacturing a micro lens system.

In addition to systems and methods for configuring various components in an optical system, the disclosed embodiments are also directed to methods, apparatus, and methods for facilitating the design and manufacture of optical systems having improved alignment capabilities and reduced overall size. Manufacturing process.

To achieve an optical component (such as a lens) along the optical axis (ie z-axis) or vertical The movement of the optical axis (i.e., along the x-axis and the y-axis) allows the optical assembly to be moved laterally using a spring flexure. The spring flexure can be a simply supported beam flexure or a cascaded beam flexure.

In one method, a lens element in an optical system can be fabricated via a molding process in which a mold is produced, a liquid plastic resin is injected into the mold, and the plastic resin is hardened by UV or heat. The spring flexures can be fabricated separately, for example, using a micromachining process. The lens element and the spring flexure can then be assembled. However, alignment can be a major problem in this approach. For example, unlike typical spherical lens elements, the free surface may not have rotational symmetry. Thus, in addition to the usual in-plane positioning problems, there is additional rotational alignment between the lens elements and the spring flexure structure. Whether assembled by adhesive or other means, the actual assembly steps may also interfere with the alignment process.

The disclosed embodiments facilitate alignment of optical components in an optical system that can include optical components having spherical, aspherical, and/or free surfaces, which can be further along the optical system Move in direction. In some embodiments, monolithic integration of the lens elements, spring flexures, and support structures minimizes the number of assembly steps after integration and reduces possible misalignment issues.

Certain disclosed embodiments rely on precision injection molding to fabricate optical systems that can include lenses and other optical components as well as mechanical components such as flexible or rigid fasteners. Figure 1 provides a comparison of dimensional tolerances versus component dimensions for one precision injection molding process performed in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. As shown in Figure 1, precision injection molding enables the manufacture of smaller components with better tolerances than other techniques. As described in the following paragraphs, in accordance with the techniques of the disclosed embodiments, multiple injection moldings can be introduced in sequence to produce an integrated micro-optical device.

In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, the lens and flexure of an integral optical device can be fabricated in a single step. This can be done in several ways. The lens element is essentially a refractive element having a certain surface profile. The desired surface profile can be made by casting from a mold. The manufacture of the lens together with the spring flexure can be achieved by winding the additional spring flexure on the same mold as the lens. Therefore, when the plastic resin is injected into the mold, the resulting structure is a lens element to which one of the spring flexures is attached. In this way, the separately cast lens element can be assembled with the support structure. Other components of the structure can also be molded in the same step. By way of example and not limitation, such other components may include structures for assembly with other lens elements or structures for positioning and alignment.

In a scenario in which a single-shot molding process is not feasible due to, for example, design flexibility limitations, a multi-note (eg, two-, three-, four-note, etc.) precision injection molding manufacturing process can be utilized. Manufacture of an integrated optical system. For example, in a two-injection manufacturing process, the first shot can cast a spring flexure, and the second mold for the second shot can cast a lens integrated with the previously cast spring flexure. element. When the mold is removed, further fine-tuning of the dimensions can be accomplished by on-site micromachining (e.g., by a computer numerical control (CNC) machine) if desired.

Additionally or alternatively, metal stamping may be utilized to mass produce the components in a cost effective manner, in accordance with certain embodiments. In this case, the metal stamping die can form a spring flexure skeleton structure that can be used to reinforce subsequent forming steps. Next, the forming step can cast a lens element on the metal skeleton structure.

In addition to molding the lens elements on the metal skeleton structure, the lens elements can also be molded in a separate process. This minimizes the stress applied to the effective lens area during the molding process Chemical. In such a scenario, the lens elements can be assembled to the skeletal structure through a separate process such as ultrasonic welding or bonding.

Additionally or alternatively, a micro-machining method can be utilized to fabricate a chip-based mold, in accordance with certain embodiments. A wafer or wafer fabricated using micromachining techniques can include etched trenches that correspond to the location of the spring flexure. The lens elements can then be cast separately and positioned on individual wafers or wafers. Ultraviolet light (UV) or thermosetting resin can then be applied to fill the trench along with the lens elements and then cure the resin. The resulting plastic part is now the lens element to which the spring flexure is attached and aligned.

In another iteration, one of the above-described techniques can be used to assemble one of the above-described fabricated body spring flexure-lenses with other components or another spring flexure-lens assembly. Therefore, other structures can be incorporated into the molding process. Since the other components also need to be assembled, the alignment structure can be molded as part of the overall structure.

In embodiments where one or more optical components are required to be moved, it is desirable to have an actuating mechanism to move the lens. This actuation mechanism can also be incorporated into the mold design. For example, electromagnetic actuation can be performed using a microcoil assembled on an integral spring flexure-lens. To this end, a groove can be designed to hold the microcoil on the integral spring flexure-lens.

As previously mentioned, further refining can be performed immediately after the plastic resin step by performing one of the precision micromachinings, for example on the cast plastic structure, to further improve the tolerances of the various components.

Figure 2 illustrates a series of operations that may be performed when fabricating an integrated optical system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The operation in Figure 2 first forms an elastic suspension mold. Next, the first injection elastic suspension material is injected into the mold in. Next, the lens is cast by a second shot. After the lens mold is removed (in operation (d)) and the unitary device is removed (in operation (e)), an elastic suspension frame and a microlens are obtained. Although the exemplary operation in FIG. 2 illustrates a manufacturing process for a single lens assembly having an elastic suspension structure, it should be understood that additional optical structures, mechanical structures (including alignment structures) may be incorporated through existing or additional injection molding steps. ) integrated into the optical system. Moreover, such additional structures may be rigid or resilient.

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a molded structure made in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The structure shown in Fig. 3 comprises a support structure, a lens element, a holder for the lens actuator, and an elastic (e.g., spring) holder that enables the lens to be placed along the arrow / Move in the down direction. Although the exemplary structure of Figure 3 only shows that the lens is moving in a single direction, it should be understood that the lens can be moved in three dimensions. For example, an additional resilient fastener and a suitable actuation mechanism can be included in the structure.

Moreover, alternative or additional optical components can be incorporated in a one-piece system for manufacturing in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. Such components may include, but are not limited to, lenses, gratings, diffractive optical elements, and the like. The disclosed embodiments provide a series of manufacturing processes having tolerances ranging from 1 micron to 5 microns for an integrated platform comprising an elastic suspension, a rigid frame, and an optical assembly. It is estimated that the cost of manufacturing such components is much lower than the conventional MEMS micromachining.

Precision manufacturing techniques for fabricating an integrated system in accordance with the disclosed embodiments can include injection molding, in-mold decoration, hot stamping, and/or insert molding. These processes are capable of mass production of a bulk optical system that includes a microlens on a resilient suspension platform. In some embodiments, the elastic suspension is made from a metal skeleton that is made using, for example, metal stamping and subsequent one polymer molding (first shot). Metal frame enhances the elasticity of the suspension And the solidity of the framework. In some embodiments, the elastic suspension is made without a metal skeleton. The second note can be applied to a polymeric material of one of the optical lenses. This assembly is then assembled into a larger structure that forms one of the optical lens modules. Multiple injection molding process steps can be performed to achieve multi-component integration.

FIG. 4 illustrates a set of operations 400 performed when an integrated optical device is fabricated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. At 402, a first mold is obtained, the first mold being configured to form a resilient suspension fixture. At 404, a first injection material is injected into the first mold. At 406, a second mold is placed in contact with the first mold and the first injection material within the first mold. The structure of the second mold is configured to form an optical element. At 408, a second injection material is injected into the second mold. The second mold is removed at 410 and the first mold is removed in 412 to obtain the elastic suspension fixture, the optical element being integrated into the elastic suspension fixture.

5 and 6 respectively illustrate two sets of operations 500 and 600 that may be performed when manufacturing an integrated optical device in accordance with other example embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, in 502, a first mold is obtained, the first mold being configured to form an elastic suspension fixture and an optical component. At 504, a first injection material is injected into the first mold, and at 506, a second injection material is injected into the first mold. At 508, the first mold is removed to obtain the resilient suspension fixture incorporating the optical component. In the example operation 600 of FIG. 6, in 602, a mold is obtained that is configured to form a resilient suspension mount and to house an optical component. In 604, the optical component is placed in the mold, and at 606, a first injection material is injected into the mold to form a resilient suspension fixture. At 608, the mold is removed to obtain the resilient suspension fixture incorporating the optical component.

Focus lens configuration

In applications where space is limited (eg, in a camera phone), the configuration of the optical components significantly affects the size of the achievable overall camera module. In such systems, the thickness of the module (e.g., the thickness of the device in the z-direction or the "z-axis height") is critical. To achieve the smallest possible optical configuration of a zoom lens system, several configurations are disclosed in the present application.

As shown in Fig. 7, one embodiment has a light path bending element (e.g., a prism 702 or a mirror) for bending the incident light by 90 degrees and passing it through the two variable focal lengths. Lenses 704, 706 and another prism 708, which bends the optical path again to reach the detector (e.g., CMOS detector 710). In an exemplary embodiment, the fixed/matrix lens 714 is integrated with the prism 708 and the aperture 712 is disposed between the two variable focal length lenses 704, 706. This configuration provides the most likely short z-axis height, but the field of view (FOV) and f-number are limited. In this configuration, although a thin z-axis height of 6 mm can be achieved, the FOV is limited to about 30°.

To increase the FOV, in some embodiments, at least one of the variable focus lenses can be placed at the entrance of the optical system, as shown in FIG. In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 8, prism 802 is placed between the two variable focal length lenses 804, 806 to bend the optical path by 90 degrees, and the other prism 808 is used to reach the detector in the light ( For example, before the CMOS detector 810), the light is bent again by 90 degrees. The aperture 812 is located between the prism 802 and the variable focus lens 806. The exemplary configuration of Figure 8 achieves one of the FOVs of 60° to 75°. The z-axis height must be increased to approximately 8 mm. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration in which the detector is placed on the same side as the entrance to the optical system. However, it should be understood that the detector can be placed on the side opposite the entrance to the optical system (e.g., as shown in the configuration of Figure 7). Place the detector on the same side to minimize the z-axis height of the module due to the z-axis height The increase is primarily due to the additional height of the lens and detector elements. Therefore, placing the detector 810 on the same side as the entrance window means that the increase in the z-axis height is only the thickness of the two elements. However, since the optical path to the detector is relatively long, the aperture and beam diameter in such a configuration are still relatively large in view of the need to fold the optical path before it reaches the detector. A method of shortening the length of the optical path reaching the detector can further reduce the z-axis height.

To shorten the length of the light path to the detector, in accordance with some embodiments, the detector is placed upright and thus brought closer to the lens, as shown in FIG. In the exemplary configuration of FIG. 9, a lenticular element 904 is disposed between a window that receives incident light and a second variable focus lens 906, and the lenticular element 904 includes one that is integrated with a prism element. A varifocal lens. Therefore, the second prism element is not required. The aperture 912 is located between the integral zoom lens and the prism 904 and the second variable focal length lens 906. The total optical path length can be reduced from about 23 mm to about 18 mm. The reduction in the length of the optical path enables a smaller aperture diameter and smaller lens elements, and thus a smaller z-axis height. A z-axis height of about 6 mm can be obtained in this configuration. As another example, a z-axis height of about 4 mm to about 7 mm can be achieved. In the case where the variable focus lens is not integrated with the prism, the Z-axis height will have to be increased slightly to about 6.5 mm to accommodate the gap between the variable focus lens and the prism. In this configuration, one of the FOVs between 60° and 75° can be achieved. Depending on the application, the optical specifications of the disclosed zoom lens can be modified to achieve the desired size and form factor. For example, the z-axis height can be further reduced to achieve specific implementation requirements.

Figure 10 illustrates a ray diagram of a microlens configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The configuration of Fig. 10 provides a specific example of the lens system shown in Fig. 9, wherein the variable focal length lenses 1004 and 1006 are both Avalez lenses. In addition, the various optical components of Figure 10 are positioned to achieve the desired zoom capability. Specifically, the first pair of Avalez lenses 1004 are positioned to The incident light is received from the entrance of the microlens system and directed to the integrated prism. Although the exemplary illustration of Fig. 10 shows an integrated Avarez lens-prism, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, the first Avalez lens and prism may be separate components. Referring back to Figure 10, the light entering the integrated prism is bent 90 degrees before exiting the prism. The light is then received by the second Avarez lens 1006 and then passed through the fixed/matrix lens set 1014 before reaching the detector 1010. In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 10, the two elements of the first Avarez lens 1004 are moved in opposite directions perpendicular to the optical axis (eg, one lens element is removed from the page and the other lens element is moved in) Page) will produce a negative refractive power. Moreover, in the exemplary illustration of FIG. 10, a positive refractive power is achieved by moving the two elements of the Avarez lens 1006 in the opposite direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Movement of the lens elements can be accomplished with one or more actuators coupled to the lens elements. The exemplary configuration of Fig. 10 enables the fabrication of a microlens system having a small height which makes this configuration particularly suitable for implementation in devices having a thin form factor, such as a mobile phone or tablet.

Figure 11 illustrates a ray diagram of a microlens configuration in accordance with another exemplary embodiment. The configuration of Fig. 11 provides yet another specific example of the lens system shown in Fig. 9, wherein the variable focal length lenses 1104 and 1106 are both Avalez lenses. In addition, the various optical components of Figure 11 are positioned to achieve the desired zoom capability. In particular, the first pair of Avarez lenses 1104 are positioned to receive incident light from the entrance of the microlens system and direct the light to the integrated prism. Light entering the integral prism is bent 90 degrees before exiting the prism. This light is then received by the second Avarez lens 1106 and then passed through the fixed/matrix lens set 1114 before reaching the detector 1110. In the exemplary illustration of Figure 11, the two elements of the first Avarez lens 1104 are moved in opposite directions perpendicular to the optical axis (eg, one lens element is removed from the page and the other lens element is removed) The piece moves into the page) and will produce a positive power. Furthermore, in the exemplary illustration of Fig. 11, a negative refractive power is achieved by moving the two elements of the second Avarez lens 1106 in the opposite direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Movement of the lens elements can be accomplished with one or more actuators coupled to the lens elements. As shown by the circle X and the circled dot mark on the Avalez lens element in Fig. 11, the movement of each lens element is opposite to that shown in Fig. 10. By changing the refractive power of the two pairs of Avarez lenses, the focal length of the optical system changes. In the exemplary illustration of Figure 10, the lens system functions as a telescope with a long focal length.

Figure 12 illustrates one lens configuration including two variable focus lenses in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Each of the first variable focal length lens 1202 and the second variable focal length lens 1204 includes two lens elements (the first embodiment illustrates the first lens 1202 and the element 2 and the second lens 1204, the component 3 and the component 4 ). Each element is considered to be a thin plate, each of which has two surfaces that are substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. One surface is a planar surface and the other surface is a polynomial surface characterized by a function (eg, a polynomial). In Fig. 12, the non-planar surface is designated as the Avarez surface. For each of the lenses 1202 and 1204, a refractive power will be produced by placing the two plates at a small distance from each other and with the polynomial curved surfaces facing each other. The refractive power can be changed by causing the two elements to move synchronously in the opposite direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Fig. 13 illustrates a lens configuration including two variable focal length lenses according to another exemplary embodiment. The exemplary configuration of FIG. 13 includes a first variable focal length lens 1302 and a second variable focus lens 1304 similar to those shown in FIG. However, the element 1, the element 2, the element 3, and the element 4 in Fig. 13 each include a free surface instead of a planar surface whose shape is set to correct the aberration of the optical system.

In each disclosed embodiment, a variable focus lens, among other types It can be: liquid crystal, liquid lens, or Avarez lens. As with Avarez lenses, a varifocal lens can also be constructed from a plurality of lens elements. For each embodiment, it is not feasible to configure a conventional lens to achieve a module having a small z-axis height, as conventional lenses that move along the optical axis will significantly increase the Z-axis height. In addition, in order to achieve a large FOV, at least one variable focus lens must be placed at the entrance of the optical module.

Lens effective area

The disclosed embodiments include a further improvement that further reduces the z-axis height of the optical module. In some embodiments utilizing an Avarez lens, the Avarez lens is moved perpendicular to the optical path (rather than along the optical path) to perform fine tuning. Furthermore, the displacement of the Avarez lens perpendicular to the optical axis has a significant impact on the performance of the optical module. In particular, a large displacement of one of the lenses can result in a large change in refractive power. However, assuming that only one portion of the lens area (i.e., one of the lenses "actual effective area") is utilized at a given position of the lens, a larger displacement of one of the lenses would also result in the need for a larger circular lens diameter. To cover the active area. Such a scenario can be further illustrated by means of Figure 14, wherein the small circles represent the two actual effective areas of a variable focus lens at two different lens positions (i.e., the two lens positions are offset relative to each other with respect to the optical axis). Although the illustration in Fig. 14 shows an effective area of the same size for convenience of illustration, the actual effective area may vary in size. In the exemplary illustration of Figure 14, the optical axis is pointing within and outside the page. The large circle in Fig. 14 indicates the circular area required to surround the effective area of any single lens when the lens is moved in the x direction and/or the y direction. The rectangular area represents a smaller single lens profile that is sufficient to achieve lens operation. The length of the rectangular area usually indicates the direction of movement.

In some embodiments, a rectangular or elliptical lens that covers only one of the substantially effective areas of the lens is used instead of a circular lens. The rectangular box in Figure 14 shows such a rectangular grid Lens. In this way, the actuation range can be increased without affecting the overall size of the optical module. Rotating alignment can be improved during assembly and manufacturing.

Free prism

According to certain embodiments, the size of the optical system can be further reduced by combining the prism with the variable focus lens element. This is especially important when using Avalez lenses. With this technique, one of the sides of the prism can be molded to have a free surface (as shown in Fig. 15), whereby the gap between the surfaces of the variable focal length lens can be removed.

One-piece platform

When moving the lens perpendicular to the optical axis, the actuation mechanism must be small, compact, and easy to align and manufacture. Integrating a lens element with a structural platform into a system is one way to achieve such a requirement. Figure 16 shows an integrated platform in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, the unitary platform includes a frame and an arm member that serves as a structural guide and that is coupled to an actuator member (e.g., a coil or magnet). The lens elements can be molded or fabricated directly onto the frame in an accurate orientation. A spring flexing element may or may not be combined with the unitary platform. In one embodiment, the platform frame and arms are molded in one step and the lens elements are molded thereafter. In another embodiment, the frame can be made from a lead frame metal structure. The lead frame can be formed by metal stamping, laser cutting, milling, etching, or molding. The arm member can be molded onto the leadframe structure by an injection molding process in which the lens component is molded onto the leadframe after the remainder of the structure is completed.

To precisely align the molded lens, the alignment structure can be incorporated onto the platform. In addition to performing insert molding on the lens, a wafer level optical assembly having one of the preformed lens elements can be bonded to the platform in a separate step. All of these processes are designed to make the manufacturing process The kinetics keep the overall structure compact and ensure precise alignment between the various structures and the individual lens elements.

When the integrated lens platform is actuated, it may or may not be necessary to incorporate a spring flexing element. A spring flexure is primarily used to provide a restoring force to the platform. If the actuating mechanism can only provide a one-way force, a spring flexure is required, as is the case with a one-way drive one voice-coil actuator. A voice coil actuator having a two-way drive eliminates the need for a flexure recovery element. In the absence of a spring deflection element, the actuation range can be easily increased. By adding a position sensor to the system, the position of the lens stage can be determined by a closed loop control.

In some embodiments, the actuation requirements are simplified when two or more lenses are designed to be displaced the same distance in the same direction. As such, the use of one actuator causes two or more lenses to move rather than providing a separate actuator for each lens element. A mechanical structure can be designed to join the plurality of lenses together. The structure is then actuated by an actuator.

Zoom and focus decoupling

Focusing and zooming are two operations that an optical system must be able to perform. Regardless of the configuration used, the first variable focus lens element can be used for focusing purposes when the second variable focus lens remains constant at a particular refractive power. Considering the cost of more complex electronic devices and the limitations of having to optically optimize the optical system, this approach can be very simple.

To simplify the operation of the system, in some embodiments, the zoom is decoupled from the focus operation. The zoom is achieved by fine tuning the two variable focus lenses. Focusing can be achieved by moving the base lens system along the optical axis. This simplifies image optimization and control. In such an embodiment, the set of actuators actuates the variable focus lens as a group. Focusing on the base lens group Achieved by moving along the optical axis, or by one or more trimmable lens elements in the base lens group. Suitable components are optical lenses that can change refractive power, such as liquid lenses, liquid crystals, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) based lenses, Avalez lenses, and piezo-based lenses.

Figure 17 illustrates a set of operations 1700 that may be performed when fabricating a microlens system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In 1702, a structural platform is constructed that includes a frame and an arm. In 1704, after fabricating the structural platform, and as part of the step of fabricating the structural platform, a plurality of optical components are molded over the frame of the structural platform. The optical components include: a first variable focus lens, a first prism, and a first base lens. In an exemplary embodiment, fabricating the structural platform includes molding the arm onto the frame of the structural platform. In another exemplary embodiment, the above method further includes connecting one or more actuators to the arm of the structural platform. The one or more actuators are coupled to one or more of the optical elements to move the one or more optical elements. In still another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes bonding a wafer level optical component to the structural platform, the wafer level optical component having a preformed lens component.

It should be understood that the operations described in this application are presented in a particular order in order to facilitate understanding of the basic concepts. However, it should also be understood that such operations can be performed in a different order and, in addition, more or fewer steps can be utilized to perform the various disclosed operations.

The foregoing description of various embodiments has been presented by way of illustration and description. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments of the invention. The invention may be modified and modified in light of the above teachings. The embodiments described herein are selected and described to illustrate the various embodiments. The nature and nature of the application and the application of the present invention are to enable the skilled artisan to utilize the invention in various embodiments and to make various modifications to the particular use contemplated. The various features of the embodiments described herein can be combined in all possible combinations of methods, devices, modules, systems, and articles.

a~d‧‧‧ operation

Claims (65)

A miniature zoom lens system comprising: a first prism positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of one of the micro zoom lens systems via a first side of the first prism and to cause the light to be from the first prism Before receiving the second side, the received light is bent by about 90 degrees; at least one first varifocal lens is positioned to receive the light emitted from the second side of the first prism At least one base lens positioned to receive the light after the light passes through the first variable focus lens; a detector positioned to receive the light after the light passes through the base lens And a first actuator configured to move the first variable focus lens in at least one direction that is perpendicular to a propagation axis of the light passing through the first variable focus lens. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the masks of the first prism has a free surface. The system of claim 1, wherein the first variable focus lens is one of: a liquid crystal lens, a liquid lens, or an Alvarez-like lens. The system of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The system of claim 1 wherein the first actuator comprises one of a coil or a magnet. The system of claim 1, further comprising a structural platform such that one of the following is directly molded on the structural platform, fabricated on the structural platform, or integrated with the structural platform: a prism, a second prism, the first variable focal length lens, or a second variable focus lens. The system of claim 6 wherein the structural platform comprises a spring flexure element. The system of claim 6, wherein the structural platform comprises a frame and an arm. The system of claim 8, wherein: the frame of the structural platform comprises a lead frame metal structure, the lead frame metal structure being one or more of the following: a metal stamping structure, a laser cutting structure, a milled structure, an etched structure, or a molded structure; the arm is molded on the lead frame metal structure; and the first prism, the second prism, the first variable focal length One or more of the lens, or the second variable focus lens, is molded over the leadframe metal structure. The system of claim 6 wherein a wafer level optical component having a preformed lens element is bonded to the structural platform. The system of claim 1, wherein the first actuator is a voice-coil actuator having a bidirectional drive. The system of claim 1, comprising a second actuator, the second The actuator is configured to move one of the optical components of the micro zoom lens system other than the first variable focus lens. The system of claim 12, wherein the second actuator and the first actuator are configured to cause the optical component and the first variable focal length lens in addition to the first variable focal length lens Shift the same distance in the same direction. The system of claim 13, wherein the optical component other than the first variable focus lens is one of: a second variable focal length lens, the at least one base lens, the first prism, Or a second prism. The system of claim 1, wherein the first variable focus lens has a rectangular or elliptical cross section that encompasses only one of the first variable focal length lens effective regions (active Area). The system of claim 1, further comprising a second variable focus lens positioned to receive before the light emerging from the first variable focus lens reaches the at least one base lens The light. The system of claim 16, wherein the second variable focus lens has a rectangular or elliptical cross section that encompasses only one of the second variable focus lenses. The system of claim 16 wherein the first variable focus lens and the second variable focus lens are moveable relative to each other to provide optical zoom capability to the miniature zoom lens system. The system of claim 1 wherein the at least one base lens is arranged to move along an optical axis of the base lens to provide optical focusing capability to the miniature zoom lens system solely by movement of the base lens. The system of claim 1 or 16, wherein one or more of the first variable focal length lens, the second variable focus lens, or the at least one base lens are: a liquid lens, a liquid crystal A lens, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based lens, an Avarez lens, a piezo-based lens, or a combination thereof. The system of claim 7, wherein the spring flexing element is one of a simple beam flexure or a cascaded beam flexure. A miniature zoom lens system comprising: a first prism positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of one of the micro zoom lens systems via a first side of the first prism and to cause the light to be from the first prism Before the second side exits, the received light is bent by about 90 degrees; a first variable focal length lens is positioned to receive the light emitted from the second side of the first prism; a second a varifocal lens positioned to receive the light emerging from the first variable focus lens; at least one base lens positioned to receive the light after the light passes through the second variable focus lens; a second prism, Positioned to receive the light exiting the at least one base lens via a first side of the second prism, and to cause the second prism to be emitted from the second side of the second prism Receiving the light is bent by about 90 degrees; a detector positioned to receive the light after the light exits the second prism; At least one actuator configured to move one or both of the first variable focus lens and the second variable focus lens in at least one direction perpendicular to the first variable The propagation axis of the light of the focal length lens or the second variable focus lens. A miniature zoom lens system comprising: a first variable focus lens positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of the miniature zoom lens system; a first prism positioned to pass through a first side of the first prism And receiving the light emitted from the first variable focus lens, and bending the light received by the first prism by about 90 degrees before causing the light to exit from the second surface of the first prism; a second variable focus lens positioned to receive the light emitted from the first prism; at least one base lens positioned to receive the light after the light passes through the second variable focus lens; a second prism Positioning the light emitted from the at least one base lens via a first side of the second prism and receiving the second prism before exiting the second side of the second prism The light is bent by about 90 degrees; a detector positioned to receive the light after the light exits the second prism; and at least one actuator configured to cause the first variable focus lens to One of the second variable focal length lenses One or both move in at least one direction that is perpendicular to a propagation axis of the light passing through the first variable focus lens or the second variable focus lens. The system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the second prism is oriented The detector is placed on the same side of the micro zoom lens system as the inlet of the miniature zoom lens system. The system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the second prism is oriented such that the detector is placed on one side of the miniature zoom lens system, the side being opposite the entrance of the miniature zoom lens system. A miniature zoom lens system comprising: a first variable focus lens positioned to receive incident light from an entrance of the miniature zoom lens system; a first prism positioned to pass through a first side of the first prism And receiving the light emitted from the first variable focus lens, and bending the light received by the first prism by about 90 degrees before causing the light to exit from the second surface of the first prism; a second variable focus lens positioned to receive the light emitted from the first prism; at least one base lens positioned to receive the light after the light passes through the second variable focus lens; a detector Positioning along an optical axis of one of the at least one base lens to receive the light after exiting the at least one base lens; and at least one actuator configured to cause the first variable focus lens and the second One or both of the variable focus lenses move in at least one direction that is perpendicular to a propagation axis of the light passing through the first variable focus lens or the second variable focus lens. The system of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the first variable focal length lens and the first prism are formed as an integrated structure, thereby shortening through the miniature zoom lens The length of the optical path of the light that propagates through the system. The system of claim 26, wherein the one or more optical elements of the first variable focus lens are positioned to position the first variable focus lens to have a lens having a negative optical power, and One or more optical elements of the second variable focus lens are positioned to position the second variable focus lens to have a lens having a positive refractive power. The system of claim 26, wherein the one or more optical elements of the first variable focus lens are positioned to position the first variable focus lens to have one lens having a positive refractive power, and the second One or more optical elements of the varifocal lens are positioned to position the second variable focus lens to have a lens having a negative refractive power. The system of claim 26, wherein the one or more optical elements of the first variable focus lens are movable such that one of the first variable focus lenses has a refractive power corresponding to the first variable focus lens The movement of the one or more optical elements changes. The system of claim 26 or 28, wherein one or more of the optical components of the second variable focus lens are movable to cause one of the second variable focal length lenses to have a refractive power corresponding to the second variable focal length The movement of the one or more optical elements of the lens changes. An Avarez lens configuration comprising: a first optical component and a second optical component, each optical component comprising two surfaces, the two surfaces being substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the Avarez lens configuration, each a first surface of the optical element is a plane, and a second surface of each of the optical elements is a surface characterized by a polynomial, the first optical element is determined Located at a specific distance from the second optical element such that the second surface of the first optical element faces the second surface of the second optical element, the first optical element and the second optical element All are arranged to move substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. An Avarez lens configuration comprising: a first optical component and a second optical component, each optical component comprising two surfaces, the two surfaces being substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the Avarez lens configuration, each One of the first surfaces of the optical element is a free surface, and one of the second surfaces of each of the optical elements is a surface characterized by a polynomial, the first optical element being positioned at a specific one from the second optical element a second surface of the first optical element facing the second surface of the second optical element, the first optical element and the second optical element being disposed substantially perpendicular to the second optical element The optical axis moves. The Avarez lens configuration of claim 32 or 33, wherein the first optical element is arranged to move in synchronism with the second optical element in the opposite direction of the movement of the second optical element. The Avarez lens configuration of claim 32, 33 or 34, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are arranged to move the same amount in opposite directions perpendicular to the optical axis. An optical system according to any of the preceding claims, having a z-axis height of at least 6 millimeters (mm). The optical system of any of the preceding claims, having a field of view between 60 degrees and 75 degrees. A method for fabricating a microlens system comprising: Forming a structural platform comprising a frame and an arm; and after fabricating the structural platform, and as a step separate from fabricating the structural platform, molding a plurality of optical components on the frame of the structural platform, The optical components include: a first variable focus lens, a first prism, and a first base lens. The method of claim 38, wherein fabricating the structural platform comprises molding the arm onto the frame of the structural platform. The method of claim 38, further comprising: connecting one or more actuators to the arm of the structural platform, the one or more actuators being coupled to one or more of the optical elements to The one or more optical elements are moved. The method of claim 38, further comprising: bonding a wafer level optical component to the structural platform, the wafer level optical component having a preformed lens component. An integrated optical device comprising: an elastic suspension fixture made by a first process; and an optical component integrated into the elastic suspension fixture, the optical component It is made by a second process. The one-piece optical device of claim 42, wherein the first process comprises one of the following processes: an injection molding process; an in-mold decoration process; a hot stamping process; and a metal stamping process. ; A micromachining process for making a chip-based mold or an insert molding process. The one-piece optical device of claim 42, wherein the second process comprises one of the following processes: an injection molding process; a casting from a molde process; and an in-mold decoration process a hot stamping process; a metal stamping process; a micromachining process for making a wafer-based mold; or an insert molding process. The one-piece optical device of claim 42, further comprising one or more of: a frame; one or more alignment structures; an actuator for displacing the optical component; one or more additional Optical element; one or more additional elastic elements; or one or more rigid elements. One of the bulk optical devices of claim 42, wherein the resilient fastener is configured to move the optical component in one or more directions. The one-piece optical device of claim 46, wherein the elastic fixing member It is arranged to move the optical element in three dimensions. A bulk optical device as claimed in claim 42 further comprising an actuator for displacing the resilient member, thereby displacing the optical member. The method of claim 1, wherein the optical element comprises at least one of a surface: a spherical surface, an aspheric surface, or a free surface. A method for processing an integrated optical device, comprising: obtaining a first mold, the first mold being configured to form an elastic suspension fixture; injecting a first injection material into the first mold Placing a second mold to contact the first mold and the first injection material in the first mold, the second mold being configured to form an optical element; injecting a second injection material to the second In the mold; removing the second mold; and removing the first mold to obtain the elastic suspension fixture, the optical element being integrated into the elastic suspension fixture. The method of claim 50, wherein the first injection material comprises a first polymer, the first polymer is adapted to form the elastic suspension fixture, and the second injection material comprises a second polymer, The second polymer is adapted to form the optical element. The method of claim 50, further comprising: utilizing a precision mechanical addition Tools to refine one of the structures of the integrated optical device. The method of claim 50, further comprising: before removing the first mold: placing a third mold to contact the first mold and the first injection material, the structure of the third mold being configured to form a An additional component; and injecting a third injection material into the third mold. The method of claim 53, wherein the additional component is one of: an additional optical component; an additional resilient fastener; or a rigid fastener. The method of claim 53, wherein the additional component is an alignment fixture. The method of claim 50, wherein the resilient suspension fixture and the optical component of the unitary optical device are positioned with a tolerance of between 1 micrometer and 5 micrometers. The method of claim 53, wherein the third injection material is the same material as one of the first injection material and the second injection material. The method of claim 50, wherein the structure of the first mold is further configured to include a groove for placing an actuator. The method of claim 50, further comprising integrating a metal frame into the resilient suspension fixture. The method of claim 59, wherein the metal frame is formed using a metal stamping technique. A zoom lens comprising a bulk optical device as claimed in claim 42. A handheld electronic device comprising one of the bulk optical devices as claimed in claim 42. A method for processing an integrated optical device, comprising: obtaining a first mold, the first mold being configured to form an elastic suspension fixture and an optical component; injecting a first injection material to the In the first mold; injecting a second injection material into the first mold; and removing the first mold to obtain the elastic suspension fixture incorporating the optical element. A method for processing an integrated optical device, comprising: obtaining a mold configured to form a resilient suspension fixture and accommodating an optical component; placing the optical component in the mold; A first injection material is injected into the mold to form a resilient suspension fixture; and the mold is removed to obtain the elastic suspension fixture incorporating the optical component. The method of claim 64, wherein the optical component is cast from a mold prior to placing the optical component in the mold.