WO2015114515A1

WO2015114515A1 - Deformable lens structure for adaptive optics devices

Info

Publication number: WO2015114515A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/050609
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano Bonora
Original assignee: Adaptica S.R.L.
Priority date: 2014-01-28
Filing date: 2015-01-27
Publication date: 2015-08-06
Also published as: PL3100080T3; EP3100080A1; EP3100080B1; FI3100080T3

Abstract

The present invention refers to a deformable lens structure for adaptive optics devices. The lens structure comprises a first layer (2) deformable and transparent to a light beam (L), a second layer (3) deformable and transparent to a light beam and a shaped spacer element (4), positioned between the inner surfaces of said first and second layer. The lens structure also comprises an inner chamber (5) having walls defined by said spacer element (4) and by said first and second layer (2-3). A liquid (6) transparent to said light beam (L) is present in said inner chamber in contact with said first and second layer. The lens structure also comprises first and second actuators integrally connected to said first and second layer, respectively.

Description

DEFORMABLE LENS STRUCTURE FOR ADAPTIVE OPTICS DEVICES.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the technical field of adaptive optics devices.

In particular, the present invention relates to a deformable lens structure that can be used in an adaptive optics device to dynamically transform the wavefront of a light beam.

It is widely known that the performance of an optical system, through which a light beam passes, is greatly influenced by the presence of optical aberrations (such as defocus, astigmatism, coma, spherical aberration, etc.) in the wavefront of the aforesaid light beam.

For this reason, in various types of optical systems (for example, in the field of astronomy, medicine, microscopy or telecommunications) it is known to incorporate adaptive optics devices dedicated to controlling the wavefront of light beams.

Some adaptive optics devices of known type comprise lenses having shaped surfaces or layers of material with a certain gradient of the refractive index.

Other adaptive optics devices of known type comprise deformable lenses. These latter devices are generally capable of effectively correcting defocus aberration. In general, however, they are not very suitable for use in high performance optical systems, for example in optical systems for laser scanning, medical, microscopy devices and the like.

The main aim of the present invention is to provide a deformable lens structure for adaptive optics devices that enables the problems of the prior art to be resolved.

Within the scope of this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide a lens structure that enables the optical aberrations of a light beam, even of a high order, to be effectively corrected.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a deformable lens structure that is easy to incorporate in an adaptive optics device or in an optical system.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a deformable lens structure that is easy to produce on an industrial scale, at competitive costs.

This aim and these objects, as well as other objects that will be apparent from the description below and from the accompanying drawings, are achieved, according to the invention, by a lens structure according to claim 1 , proposed below.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an adaptive optics device comprising the lens structure according to the invention.

In a further aspect thereof, the present invention relates to an optical system comprising the lens structure according to the invention.

Further characteristics and advantages of the lens structure according to the invention will be more apparent with reference to the description given below and to the accompanying figures, provided purely for explanatory and non-limiting purposes, wherein:

- Figs. 1-3 schematically show the lens structure according to the invention in an embodiment thereof;

Fig. 4 schematically shows a further embodiment of the lens structure according to the invention;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a further embodiment of the lens structure according to the invention;

Figs. 6A-6B schematically show examples of actuators used in the lens structure according to the invention; and

Figs. 7-9 schematically show the operation of the lens structure according to the invention.

With reference to the aforesaid figures, the present invention refers to a deformable lens structure 1 for adaptive optics devices.

The lens structure 1 is provided with an optical axis 100 along which, in the use of said lens structure, an incident light beam L is transmitted.

The lens structure 1 comprises a first layer 2 and a second layer 3, structurally rigid.

Within the scope of the present invention:

- the definition "rigid" referred to a layer, element or portion of material, means that this layer, element or portion of material offers a resistance to mechanical deformation comparable with the forces applied in normal operation of the lens structure 1 (for example due to the actuators of this lens structure);

- the definition "flexible" referred to a layer, element or portion of material, means that this layer, element or portion of material offers a very low resistance to mechanical deformation in relation to the forces applied during normal operation of the lens structure 1 (for example due to the actuators of this lens structure).

A layer, element or portion of structurally rigid or flexible material is, in general, deformable in response to an applied force.

Naturally, the mechanical deformation undergone by a structurally rigid layer, element or portion of material will be much lower with respect to that undergone by a structurally flexible layer, element or portion of material, with the same applied force.

Within the scope of the present invention, the definition "reversibly deformable" referred to a layer, element or portion of material, means that, in normal operation of the lens structure 1 , this layer, element or portion of material (for example the layers 2-3) is capable of returning to its original shape and volume at rest, after having undergone a mechanical deformation in response to an applied force (for example generated by actuators).

The layers 2-3 are reversibly deformable in response to an applied force, for example by actuators of the lens structure 1.

The lens structure 1 comprises a spacer element 4 integrally connected to the first and second layer 2-3 so as to maintain the layer 3 positioned spaced with respect to the layer 2.

Preferably, the layer 2 has substantially planar geometry and, in conditions at rest, is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the optical axis 100.

However, it could also have spherical or aspherical geometry.

Preferably, the layer 2 is formed by glass or plastic material and has a thickness between 10 μιη and 1 mm.

With reference to the optical axis 100, the layer 2 comprises a first central portion 20, a first outer portion 25 and a first intermediate portion 26.

The first central portion 20 is transparent to the light beam L and defines the optical aperture W of the lens structure 1 at the layer 2.

Preferably, it is formed by a section (for example in the shape of a cylinder) of the layer 2 passing through the whole of the thickness thereof and centred with respect to the optical axis 100.

The first outer portion 25 is the region at which the layer 2 is integrally connected to the spacer element 4.

Preferably, the first outer portion 25 is formed by a section (for example in the shape of a cylindrical crown) of the layer 2 passing through the whole of the thickness thereof, centred with respect to the optical axis 100 and positioned externally with respect to the first central portion 20.

With reference to the optical axis 100, the first intermediate portion 26 is the region positioned between the first central portion 20 and the first outer portion 25.

Preferably, it is formed by a section (for example in the shape of a cylindrical crown) of the layer 2 passing through the whole of the thickness thereof, centred with respect to the optical axis 100 and positioned between the first central portion 20 and the first outer portion 25. Also the first outer portion 25 and/or the first intermediate portion 26 can be transparent to the light beam L.

The layer 2 forms an optical element, integrally connected to the spacer element 4 and, in conditions at rest, arranged along a reference plane substantially perpendicular with respect to the optical axis 100. Although structurally rigid, the layer 2 is deformable by a bending moment F applied according to a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis 100 (with a positive or negative direction).

The layer 2 is provided with a first outer surface 21 and with a first inner surface 22, opposite the surface 21.

Preferably, the layer 3 has substantially planar geometry and, in conditions at rest, is arranged perpendicularly with respect to the optical axis 100.

However, it could also have spherical or aspherical geometry.

Preferably, the layer 3 is formed by glass or plastic material and has a thickness between 10 μιη and 1 mm.

With reference to the optical axis 100, the layer 3 comprises a second central portion 30, a second outer portion 35 and a second intermediate portion 36.

The second central portion 30 is transparent to the light beam L and defines the optical aperture W of the lens structure 1 at the layer 3.

Preferably, it is formed by a section (for example in the shape of a cylinder) of the layer 3 passing through the whole of the thickness thereof and centred with respect to the optical axis 100.

The second outer portion 35 is the region at which the layer 3 is integrally connected to the spacer element 4.

Preferably, the second outer portion 35 is formed by a section (for example in the shape of a cylindrical crown) of the layer 3 passing through the whole of the thickness thereof, centred with respect to the optical axis 100 and positioned externally with respect to the second central portion 30.

With reference to the optical axis 100, the second intermediate portion 36 is the region positioned between the second central portion 30 and the second outer portion 35.

Preferably, it is formed by a section (for example in the shape of a cylindrical crown) of the layer 3 passing through the whole of the thickness thereof, centred with respect to the optical axis 100 and positioned between the second central portion 30 and the second outer portion 35.

Also the second outer portion 35 and/or the second intermediate portion 36 can be transparent to the light beam L.

The layer 3 forms a further optical element, integrally connected to the spacer element 4 and, in conditions at rest, arranged along a reference plane substantially perpendicular with respect to the optical axis 100. The layer 3, although structurally rigid, is also deformable by a bending moment F applied according to a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis 100 (with positive or negative direction).

The layer 3 is provided with a second inner surface 31 and with a second outer surface 32, opposite the surface 31.

In the lens structure 1 , the spacer element 4 is positioned between the first inner surface 22 of the first layer 2 and the second inner surface 31 of the second layer 3, so as to form a support adapted to maintain the layers 2-3 mutually separated.

The spacer element 4 is integrally connected to the layers 2-3 at the outside of the central portions 20-30 thereof, in particular at the first and second outer portion 25-35.

Preferably, the spacer element 4 (for example in the shape of a ring) is located perimetrically with respect to the layers 2-3 and defines, at least partially, the lateral wall of the lens structure 1.

According to other embodiments of the invention, it could however be located in a different position, for example at the portions 25-26, 35-36 of the layers 2-3.

The spacer element 4 can comprise one or more substrates and/or films and/or regions of material, for example, glass, polymer material, metal, composite material or the like.

Preferably, the spacer element 4 is electrically insulating and has a thickness between 100 μηι and 5 mm.

According to the invention, the spacer element 4 comprises at least a first flexible portion 41, at which the layer 2 is integrally connected to the spacer element.

The first portion 41 is reversibly deformable in response to an applied force.

The lens structure 1 comprises an inner chamber 5, which, as shown in the aforesaid figures, is at least partially defined by the spacer element 4 and by the layers 2-3.

In particular, with reference to the substantially vertical orientation of the optical axis 100, shown in the aforesaid figures figure, the layers 2-3 at least partially define the upper and lower wall (both deformable) of the inner chamber 5, respectively, while the spacer element 4 defines the lateral walls thereof.

The chamber 5 contains a liquid 6, transparent to the light beam L.

The transparent liquid 6 occupies the whole volume of the inner chamber 5, so as to be in contact with the first and second layer 2-3, respectively at the surfaces 22-31 thereof.

The transparent liquid 6 can consist of oil, such as vaseline oil or cedar oil, liquid paraffin, propylene carbonate, water or the like.

Preferably, the transparent liquid 6 is electrically insulating. From the above, it is evident that, in the lens structure 1, the light beam L is capable of passing through the lens structure 1 at an optical aperture W defined by the first central portion 20 of the layer 2 and by the second central portion 30 of the layer 3.

Preferably, the materials of the first and second central portion 20-30 of the first and second layer 2-3 and the transparent liquid 6 have homogeneous refractive indices.

Within the scope of the present invention, a material Ml (solid or liquid) is intended to have a refractive index that is "homogeneous" with the refractive index of a material M2 (solid or liquid), when the following relation occurs:

( *M±— M 2_) < 5 % where RM1 and RM2 are the refractive indices of the materials Ml, M2.

From an optical viewpoint, the lens structure 1 thus has a thickness without appreciable discontinuous surfaces at the optical aperture W through which the light beam L passes.

In this way, reflections are prevented or reduced at surfaces within the lens.

According to the invention, the lens structure 1 comprises one or more first actuators

(indicated collectively by the reference 1 11), integrally connected to the layer 2.

The actuators 1 1 1 can be of piezoelectric, electrostrictive or bimetallic type.

The actuators 1 11 are adapted to cause a reversible deformation of the layer 2.

The actuators 1 1 1 are positioned outside the first central portion 20, i.e. at a portion of the layer 2 different from the first central portion 20 (for example the first outer portion 25 and/or the first intermediate portion 26).

In other words, the actuators 1 11 are positioned outside the optical aperture W.

Each of the first actuators 1 1 1 can be activated by a corresponding first applied actuation voltage.

The first actuation voltages (indicated collectively by the reference VA) are selectively adjustable.

Within the scope of the present invention, an actuation voltage is intended as "selectively adjustable" if it can be controlled so as to assume any desired value, even independently of the values assumed by other actuation voltages.

Preferably, the first actuators 111 are positioned at the surface 21, but could also be positioned at the surface 22.

In principle, the first actuators 111 can have any number and shape, according to needs.

Preferably, they have a shape of the type with a circular sector or pad and are arranged along a closed path, for example a circumference. Preferably, the lens structure 1 comprises at least eight first actuators 1 11.

Preferably, the actuators 1 1 1 are electrically connected to an electronic control device 80 capable of generating and adjusting the first control voltages VA-

The control device 80 can be included in the lens structure 1 or, preferably, in the adaptive optics device or optical system in which the lens structure 1 is incorporated. It can advantageously comprise at least one microprocessor unit.

Advantageously, the actuators 1 1 1 are electrically connected with corresponding drive channels of the control device 80.

In this way, each actuator 111 is capable of receiving from the control device 80 a corresponding actuation voltage VA, selectively adjustable.

To connect the actuators 1 1 1 with the control device 80, the lens structure 1 can comprise suitable conductive tracks that connect the actuators with corresponding external electric contacts, in turn electrically connected with the control device 80.

According to the invention, the lens structure 1 comprises one or more second actuators

(indicated collectively by the reference 121) integrally connected to the layer 3.

Also the second actuators 121 can be of piezoelectric, electrostrictive or bimetallic type.

The actuators 121 are adapted to cause a reversible deformation of the layer 3.

The actuators 121 are positioned outside the second central portion 30, i.e. at a portion of the layer 3 different from the second central portion 30 (for example the second outer portion 35 and/or the second intermediate portion 36).

In other words, the actuators 121 are positioned outside the optical aperture W.

Each of the second actuators 121 can be activated by a corresponding second applied actuation voltage.

Also the second actuation voltages (indicated collectively by the reference VB) are selectively adjustable.

Preferably, the second actuators 121 are positioned at the surface 32 of the layer 3 but could also be positioned at the surface 31.

In principle, the second actuators 121 can have any number and shape, according to needs. Preferably, they have a shape of the type with a circular sector or pad and are arranged along a closed path, for example a circumference.

Preferably, the lens structure 1 comprises at least eight second actuators 121.

Preferably, also the second actuators 121 are electrically connected to the electronic control device 80 capable of generating and adjusting the second actuation voltages VB.

Advantageously, the actuators 121 are electrically connected with corresponding drive channels of the control device 80 to receive from the control device 80 a corresponding actuation voltage V_B, selectively adjustable.

To connect the actuators 121 with the control device 80, the lens structure 1 can comprise suitable conductive tracks that connect the actuators with corresponding external electric contacts, in turn electrically connected with the control device 80.

The actuators 11 1-121 can be produced by depositing one or more layers of material on the surfaces of the layers 2-3, for example using gluing or screen printing procedures.

Piezoelectric actuators can be produced using lead, zirconium and titanium (PZT) alloys, piezoelectric polymers (Polyvinyl Fluoride) and the like.

Electrostrictive actuators can be produced using lead magnesium niobate (PMN) alloys and the like.

Bimetallic actuators can be produced using iron-nickel alloys and the like (having different thermal expansion coefficients).

Preferably, in order to ensure adequate electric insulation between the actuators 1 1 1-121, the relevant conductive tracks and the corresponding electric contacts, the layers 2-3 are at least partially electrically insulating.

The actuators 111-121 , the relevant conductive tracks and the corresponding electric contacts can be covered by a substrate (thin film) of electrically insulating material.

This solution is particularly useful in the embodiments of the invention in which the actuators 111-121 are positioned at the inner surfaces 22-31 of the layers 2-3 and the transparent liquid 6 does not ensure adequate electric insulation.

According to the invention, each of the actuators 1 1 1 comprises at least a first active portion 1 1 10 integrally connected with the layer 2 (Fig. 6A).

The active portion 11 10 is reversibly deformable in response to a corresponding first applied actuation voltage VA-

Preferably, the active portion 11 10 is directly in contact with the surface 21 or 22 of the layer 2 so as to form a structure of dimorph type.

When an actuation voltage VA is applied, the active portion 1 110 undergoes a reversible structural deformation ASl that extends along a preferential deformation direction SI, substantially parallel to the layer 2, in particular to the surfaces 21 or 22 of this latter.

As the active portion 1 110 is integrally connected to the layer 2, this latter is subject to a force

Fl (in particular a bending moment) that causes a reversible deformation thereof.

Along the preferential deformation direction SI, the active portion 1 110 advantageously comprises the ends 1 1 10A, 1 110B. Preferably, although integrally connected with the layer 2, the actuators 111 are free from fixed constraints with rigid structures, given that the layer 2 is integrally connected to the flexible portion 41 of the spacer element 4.

In this way, the active portion 1110 of the actuators 1 11 is free to deform at both ends 11 10A, 11 10B.

For example, it can bend and assume a U-shape (concave or convex as a function of the sign of the first applied actuation voltage VA).

The solution illustrated above is particularly advantageous given that the actuators 1 11, even if positioned at a portion of the layer 2 different from the first central portion 20, are capable of deforming this latter according to a profile having a monotonic trend.

With reference to Fig. 7 (where a portion of the lens structure 1 is shown in a further simplified form with respect to Figs. 1-5, 6A-6B), activation of each of the actuators 111 by means of a corresponding actuation voltage VA causes a corresponding deformation of the layer 2 (Fig. 7 - case B), with respect to a condition at rest (Fig. 7 - case A), so that the position of the point PI MAX of maximum deformation D I MAX is outside the first central portion 20, i.e. outside the optical aperture W, at a portion of the layer 2 different from the first central portion 20, for example the first outer portion 25 or the first intermediate portion 26.

In practice, each of the first actuators 11 1 deforms the layer 2 so that the surfaces 21-22 have an absolute maximum or absolute minimum point outside the optical aperture W and a substantially monotonic trend at the optical aperture W.

The total deformation to which the layer 2 is subjected corresponds substantially to the combination of the deformations induced by each piezoelectric actuator 1 1 1.

By appropriately modulating the actuation voltages VA, supplied to each of the actuators 1 11, it is possible to deform the first central portion 20 of the layer 2 (i.e. the portion of layer through which the light beam L passes) in a controlled manner, in particular according to a profile that has a monotonic trend within the optical aperture W.

The first actuators 1 1 1 are therefore capable of ensuring effective control of the deformation of the layer 2 at the edges of the optical aperture W.

According to the invention, each of the actuators 121 comprises at least a second active portion 1210 integrally connected with the layer 3 (Fig. 6B).

The active portion 1210 is reversibly deformable in response to a corresponding second applied actuation voltage VB.

Preferably, the active portion 1210 is directly in contact with the surface 31 or 32 of the layer 3 so as to form a structure of bimorph type.

When an actuation voltage V_B is applied, the active portion 1210 undergoes a reversible structural deformation AS2 that extends along a preferential deformation direction S2, substantially parallel to the surface 31 or 32 of the layer 3.

As the active portion 1210 is integrally connected to the layer 3, this causes the application of a force F2 (in particular of a bending moment) on the layer 3, which thus in turn undergoes a deformation.

Along the preferential deformation direction S2, the active portion 1210 advantageously comprises the ends 1210A, 1210B.

According to the invention, the lens structure 1 comprises at least a first rigid structure 14, 42 integrally connected to the layer 3 and positioned outside the second central portion 30.

Preferably, the actuators 121 are permanently constrained to the rigid structure 14, 42.

In particular, the active portion 1210 is integrally connected to the rigid structure 14, 42, preferably in proximity of one of the aforesaid ends (for example the end 121 OA in Fig. 6B).

In this way, the active portion 1210 is free to deform only at the end that is not constrained

(for example the end 1210B in Fig. 6B).

For example, it can bend like a cantilever beam.

The solution illustrated above is particularly advantageous, given that the actuators 121, even if positioned at a portion of the layer 3 different from the first central portion 30, are capable of deforming this latter according to a profile having a trend with at least an absolute maximum and minimum.

With reference to Fig. 8 (where a portion of the lens structure 1 is shown in a further simplified form with respect to Figs. 1 -5, 6A-6B), activation of each of the actuators 121 by means of a corresponding actuation voltage VB causes a corresponding deformation of the layer 3 (Fig. 8 - case B), with respect to a condition at rest (Fig. 8 - case A), so that the position of the point P2MAX of maximum deformation D2MAX of this latter is at the second central portion 30, i.e. within the optical aperture W.

In practice, each of the first actuators 121 deforms the layer 3 so that the surfaces 31-32 thereof have an absolute maximum or absolute minimum point within the optical aperture W. The total deformation to which the layer 3 is subjected substantially corresponds to the combination of the deformations induce by each piezoelectric actuator 121.

By appropriately modulating the actuation voltages VB, supplied to each of the actuators 121, it is possible to deform the second central portion 30 of the layer 3 (i.e. the portion of layer through which the light beam L passes) in a controlled manner, in particular according to a profile having absolute maximum or minimum points within the optical aperture W.

The second actuators 121 are therefore capable of ensuring effective control of the deformation of the layer 3 within the optical aperture W.

It should be pointed out how the first and second actuators 1 1 1- 121 , even if positioned outside the central portions 20-20 of the layers 2-3, are arranged so that the lens structure 1 emulates, from a functional viewpoint, a lens structure provided with actuators arranged at the central regions 20-30 of the layers 2-3 and of the edges of these regions.

Although positioned outside the central regions 20-30, the first and second actuators 1 1 1 -121 are capable of controlling the total deformation to which the lens structure is subjected both at the edges of and within the optical aperture W.

In particular, they are capable of deforming the lens structure 1 so as to obtain points of maximum deformation both within and outside the optical aperture W of this lens structure. This enables effective compensation of the aberrations of the wavefront of the light beam L, even if these are of a high order.

Moreover, the effective positioning of the actuators 1 1 1 - 121 outside the optical aperture W enables noteworthy simplification of the layout of these actuators, with considerably advantages in terms of reducing the overall dimensions of the lens structure.

An example of operation of the lens structure 1 is schematically represented in Fig. 9 (where a portion of the lens structure 1 is shown in a further simplified form with respect to Figs. 1 -5,

6A-6B).

By appropriately modulating the actuation voltages V_A, supplied to each of the actuators 1 1 1 , the first central portion 20 of the layer 2 is deformed according to a profile having an increasing monotonic trend at the optical aperture W.

By appropriately modulating the actuation voltages VB, supplied to each of the actuators 121 , the second central portion 30 of the layer 3 is deformed according to a profile having an absolute maximum and minimum at the optical aperture W.

The total transformation to which the wavefront of the light beam L is subjected, while passing through the optical aperture W, is the combination of the transformations imposed by each of the layers 2-3.

The light beam L can thus be transformed so as to compensate a given aberration of the wavefront thereof, such as tilt, defocus, astigmatism, coma (Fig. 9), spherical aberration, secondary astigmatism, trefoil and tetrafoil.

As illustrated above, an important aspect of the lens structure 1 consists in the fact that:

- the active portion 1 1 10 of the actuators 1 1 1 has no permanent constraints with rigid structures different from the layer 2 on which they are positioned;

- the active portion 1210 of the actuators 121 has permanent constraints with at least one rigid structure different from the layer 2 on which they are positioned.

According to some embodiments of the invention (Figs. 1 and 5), the spacer element 4 comprises a second rigid portion 42 integrally connected to the first flexible portion 41 and to the layer 3.

Preferably, the rigid portion 41 is positioned between the flexible portion 41 of the spacer element 4 and the layer 3.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the rigid portion 42 at least partially forms the rigid structure to which the actuators 121 are integrally connected, so as to be permanently constrained thereto.

The active portion 1210 of the actuators 121 can be integrally connected to the layer 3 (preferably in proximity of the end 121 OA) at the second outer portion 35, in turn integrally connected with the rigid portion 42.

Alternatively, the active portion 1210 of the actuators 121 (preferably in proximity of the end 1210A) can be integrally connected directly with the rigid portion 42, in turn integrally connected with the layer 3.

According to some embodiments of the invention (Fig. 4), the lens structure 1 comprises a first stiffening element 14 integrally connected to the layer 3 outside the second central portion 30, i.e. at a portion different from the second central portion 30, for example the second outer portion 35 or the second intermediate portion 36.

According to these embodiments of the invention, the stiffening element 14 at least partially forms the rigid structure to which the actuators 121 are integrally connected, so as to be permanently constrained thereto.

The active portion 1210 of the actuators 121 can be integrally connected to the layer 3 (preferably in proximity of the end 1210A) at the second outer portion 35, in turn integrally connected with the stiffening element 14.

Alternatively, the active portion 1210 of the actuators 121 (preferably in proximity of the end 121 OA) can be integrally connected directly with the stiffening element 14, in turn integrally connected with the layer 3.

Preferably, the stiffening element 14 is positioned at the surface 32 of the layer 3.

When the stiffening element 14 is present, the spacer element 4 could be produced so as to be, in its entirety, structurally flexible. In other words, the spacer element 41 could comprise only the flexible portion 41, as shown in the variant of Fig. 4. According to other variants (not shown), the spacer element 4 could comprise the portions 41- 42, described above, even if the stiffening element 14 is present.

Preferably, the lens structure 1 comprises a second stiffening element 13 integrally connected to the first layer 2 at the first central portion 20.

Preferably, the stiffening element 13 is integrally connected to the first inner surface 22 of the layer 2.

Advantageously, the stiffening element 13 is transparent to the light beam L so as not to obstruct the passage of light radiation L through the lens structure 1.

Preferably, the stiffening element 13 has a homogeneous refractive index with respect to that of the transparent liquid 6 and of the layers 2-3.

The use of the stiffening element 13, integrally connected to the layer 2, enables deformation of the layer 2 according to more complex profiles than those already illustrated, for example profiles having a "saddle-like" trend at the first central portion 20.

This enables transformation of the wavefront of the light beam L so as to effectively compensate aberrations of a high order, in particular spherical aberration.

According to some embodiments of the invention (Figs. 1-4), the inner chamber 5 is hermetically closed so that the volume of the transparent liquid 6 is maintained constant when the layers 2-3 undergo a deformation.

In these embodiments of the invention, it is possible to obtain relatively wide deformations of the central portion 20 of the layer 2, without giving rise to phenomena of structural collapse. According to other embodiments of the invention (Fig. 5), the lens structure comprises a control circuit connected to the inner chamber 5 to enable a variation of the volume of the transparent liquid 6, when the layers 2-3 undergo a deformation.

Preferably, the aforesaid control circuit comprises a reservoir 71, within which the liquid 6 is free to expand, and a connection element 72 passing through the thickness of the spacer element 4 and/or of the layer 2 or 3.

The control circuit 71, 72 is arranged so that the liquid 6 is free to flow from/into the inner chamber 5 as a function of the difference in pressure existing between this latter and the reservoir 71.

In these embodiments of the invention, when the layers 2-3 are deformed so that the pressure of the liquid 6 in the chamber 5 exceeds the hydrostatic pressure in the reservoir 71, the liquid 6 flows freely in the reservoir 71, until reaching a new point of equilibrium between the aforesaid pressures.

When the layers 2-3 are deformed so that the pressure of the liquid 6 in the chamber 5 is below the hydrostatic pressure in the reservoir 71, the liquid 6 flows freely in the chamber 5. The volume of the liquid 6 in the inner chamber 5 can therefore vary as a function of the deformations to which the layers 2-3 are subject.

In these embodiments of the invention it is possible to obtain deformations of the layers 2-3 with relatively high frequencies. The frequencies obtainable are substantially analogous to those of lens structures in air.

The lens structure 1 may be subject to further modifications or variants, all falling within the scope of the present invention.

For example, the mutual positioning of the layers 2-3 could be inverted with respect to the embodiments illustrated in the aforesaid figures.

The actuators 1 1 1-121 can be positioned at the surfaces 22-32 of the layers 2-3, respectively. However, variants in which the actuators 1 11 are positioned at both of the surfaces 21-22 of the layer 2 and the actuators 121 are positioned at both of the surfaces 31-32 of the layer 3 are also possible.

Moreover, the path of the light beam L through the lens structure 1 can be inverted with respect to what is shown in the aforesaid figures, in which, by way of example, the light beam L is shown as entering/exiting from the lens structure 1 at the layers 2 and 3, respectively. The stiffening element 13 could be integrally connected to the first outer surface 21 of the layer 2.

The stiffening element 14 could be integrally connected to the second inner surface 31 or to the second outer surface 32 of the layer 3.

In practice, it has been seen how with the lens structure 1 according to the invention it is possible to solve the problems of the prior art described, achieving the stated objects.

The lens structure 1 enables aberrations of a relatively high order (greater than the second order) of a light beam passing through it to be corrected relatively easily.

The lens structure 1 also enables aberrations of a light beam with a high operational dynamic range, both in amplitude and in frequency, to be corrected relatively easily.

The lens structure 1 has a relatively simple structure, easy to miniaturize with known manufacturing processes.

It can therefore be incorporated in an adaptive optics device or optical system, without significantly complicating the overall structure thereof.

The lens structure 1 can be easily produced with known industrial processes, at limited costs.

Claims

1. A lens structure (1) for adaptive optics devices, characterized in that it comprises:

an optical axis (100) along which, in the use of said lens structure, a light beam (L) is transmitted;

- a first rigid layer (2) having a first outer surface (21) and a first inner surface (22), opposite said first outer surface, said first layer comprising a first central portion (20) transparent to said light beam (L), which defines an optical aperture of said lens structure;

- a second rigid layer (3) positioned spaced with respect to said first layer and having a second inner surface (31), facing said first inner surface (22), and a second outer surface (32), opposite said second inner surface, said second layer comprising a second central portion (30) transparent to said light beam (L), which defines the optical aperture of said lens structure;

a spacer element (4) positioned between said first inner surface (22) and said second inner surface (31) and integrally connected to said first and second layer, said spacer element (4) comprising a first flexible portion (41) at which said spacer element is integrally connected with said first layer;

an inner chamber (5) at least partially defined by said first and second layer and by said spacer element, said inner chamber containing a liquid (6), transparent to said light beam (L) and in contact with said first and second layer;

first actuators (1 11) adapted to cause a reversible deformation of said first layer, wherein said first actuators are integrally connected to said first layer and positioned outside said first central portion (20), wherein said first actuators comprise a first active portion (1 1 10) integrally connected with said first layer (2) and reversibly deformable, along a direction substantially parallel to said first layer, in response to a first applied actuation voltage (VA);

second actuators (121) adapted to cause a reversible deformation of said second layer, wherein said second actuator elements are integrally connected to said second layer and positioned outside said second central portion (30), wherein said second actuators comprise a second active portion (1210) integrally connected with said second layer (3) and reversibly deformable, along a direction substantially parallel to said second layer, in response to a second applied actuation voltage (VB);

at least one rigid structure (14, 42) integrally connected to said second layer (3) and positioned outside said second central portion (30), the active portion of said second actuators (121 ) being permanently constrained to said rigid structure.

2. The deformable lens structure, according to claim 1 , characterized in that:

- each of said first actuators causes, when activated by a corresponding first actuation voltage (VA), a corresponding deformation of said first layer with a point (PI MAX) of maximum deformation (DIMAX) positioned outside said first central portion (20);

- each of said second actuators causes, when activated by a corresponding second actuation voltage (VB), a corresponding deformation of said second layer with a point (P2MAX) of maximum deformation (D2MAX) at said second central portion (30).

3. The deformable lens structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one rigid structure comprises a second rigid portion (42) of said spacer element, integrally connected to said second layer (3).

4. The deformable lens structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one rigid structure comprises a first stiffening element (14) integrally connected to said second layer (3).

5. The deformable lens structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second stiffening element (13) integrally connected to said first layer (2) at said first central portion (20), said second stiffening element being transparent to said light beam (L).

6. The deformable lens structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second actuators (1 1 1 , 121 ) are of piezoelectric, electrostrictive or bimetallic type.

7. The deformable lens structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least eight first actuators (1 1) and eight second actuators (121 ).

8. The deformable lens structure according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said inner chamber (5) is closed toward the outside so as to maintain the volume of said liquid (6) constant when said first and second layer are deformed.

9. The deformable lens structure according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a control circuit (71 , 72) connected to said inner chamber to enable a variation of the volume of said liquid (6) when said first and second layer are deformed.

10. An adaptive optics device, characterized in that it comprises a lens structure (1 ) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

1 1. An optical instrument, characterized in that it comprises a lens structure (1 ) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9.