Exploring Liquid Lenses
Liquid lenses utilize fluid interfaces to dynamically change their shape, providing rapid and precise focusing capabilities without moving parts. These innovative lenses are ideal for applications that demand fast focus adjustments, compact designs, and enhanced reliability. Commonly used in machine vision, biomedical imaging, and industrial automation, liquid lenses are revolutionizing how optical systems adapt to varying imaging requirements.
Key parameters
- Focal Length Modulation: The capacity to change the focal length electronically or mechanically, enabling autofocus or zoom within a compact optical assembly.
- Response Time: Speed at which the lens changes focus, typically ranging from a few milliseconds to tens of milliseconds.
- Aperture Size: The clear aperture determines light throughput and compatibility with various optical systems.
- Optical Power Range: Defines the dioptric power the lens can achieve (measured in diopters).
- Transmission and Coating: High optical transmission and specialized coatings ensure minimal loss and compatibility across wavelength ranges.
- Durability and Lifetime: Billions of operational cycles in most industrial settings
Applications
- Machine Vision & Robotics: Instant autofocus for barcode scanning, inspection, and robotic guidance; supported by Optotune and Corning solutions.
- Biomedical Imaging: Flow cytometry, endoscopy, and microscopy benefit from rapid focus and compact system design.
- Industrial Automation: Quality control of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and packaging using fast tunable optics.
- Consumer & Specialty Optics: Miniaturized modules for smartphone cameras, compact scanners, and custom imaging applications.
- Development and Prototyping: Ready-to-integrate kits accelerate design cycles for OEMs and R&D labs, especially with USB plug-and-play drivers.
Types of liquid lenses
- Electrowetting Lenses: Change shape via an applied electric field, offering very fast response times and fine control over focus.
- Shape-Memory Alloy Actuated Lenses: Use temperature-induced mechanical changes to alter lens curvature, suitable for precise but slower adjustments.
- Acoustic Liquid Lenses: Employ ultrasonic pressure waves to modify the liquid interface, enabling high-speed modulation.
- Polymer-filled Liquid Lenses: Feature two immiscible liquids or a liquid-polymer combination, manipulated by electrical or mechanical stimuli for robust performance.
- Adaptive Optics Liquid Lenses: Offer advanced, programmable optical corrections for aberration compensation in complex imaging systems.
Explore our offer
Our offering includes a wide range of microscope objectives of brands recognized around the world for quality.
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What are the key optical performance differences between Optotune, Corning Varioptic & Edmund Optics liquid lenses?
Edmund Optics produces its own branded liquid lens solutions and also integrates Optotune and Corning Varioptic lenses into complete imaging systems. Key differences versus Optotune and Corning are in product flexibility, dedicated telecentric solutions, system integration, and choice of actuation technology.
- Optotune stands out for standalone industrial use, large apertures, and flexible system integration.
- Corning Varioptic excels at miniature, vibration-resistant autofocus modules.
- Edmund Optics combines both technologies and its own modular lenses for the widest range of machine vision functionality, with special emphasis on telecentric and biomedical imaging solutions.
Integration and Technology
- Optotune: Optotune’s electrically tunable lenses are often used inside Edmund Optics assemblies (e.g., Dynamic Focus VZM Lens). They can function as standalone components, replace multi-lens focusing systems, and offer a wide clear aperture range (3–50 mm).
- Corning Varioptic: Edmund Optics supplies Corning Varioptic electrowetting lenses, featuring compact apertures (1.6–5.8 mm), fast electronic focusing (no moving parts), and models with temperature compensation. Ideal for miniature, vibration-resistant modules.
- Edmund Optics Branded: Edmund offers TECHSPEC lenses integrating liquid lenses for autofocus, zoom, and telecentric imaging. Their own solutions combine third-party tunable lenses with high-performance imaging optics, sometimes allowing modular integration of liquid lenses, apertures, and filter holders into their Cx Series.
Key Optical Performance Metrics
| Feature | Optotune (Standalone) | Corning Varioptic | Edmund Optics (Branded/Integrated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actuation Principle | Pressure-driven (voice coil) | Electrowetting (liquid interface) | Both integrated; plus piezo/polymers |
| Clear Aperture | 3–50 mm | 1.6–5.8 mm | 6–50 mm (depending on lens, e.g., 12–50 mm for C-Mount) |
| Transmission | High; AR coatings available | Up to 97% | As implemented; AR coated options |
| Wavefront Quality | Optimized in system | Low WFE (50 nm RMS) | High, especially in telecentric objectives |
| Focus Speed | Milliseconds | Milliseconds | Milliseconds (in all systems) |
| Telecentric Integration | Yes (direct, wide aperture) | Limited by aperture | TECHSPEC MercuryTL™ series; broad WD range |
| Application Scope | Industrial, machine vision | Compact cameras, medical | Modular: machine vision, microscopy, flow cytometry, inspection |
| Modular Integration | With standard assemblies | With C-Mount, via kits | Cx Series: liquid lens, aperture, filter |
System-Level Features Unique to Edmund Optics
- Telecentric MercuryTL™ Series: Liquid lens integrated for fast autofocus while maintaining telecentricity across a wide WD range—unique among off-the-shelf machine vision lenses.
- Modular Cx Series: Lets users swap accessories (liquid lens, apertures, filters) for custom imaging setups.edmundoptics+1
- Objective CF Series: Short tube length objectives with integrated liquid lens for biomedical/machine vision.edmundoptics
- Support/Integration: Edmund offers custom designs, software accessories (drivers/cables), and turnkey integration for fast deployment and robust operation.
Electrically Tunable Liquid Lenses – Voltage-Driven
Voltage-controlled lenses, often using electrowetting technology. Allows stable focus with thermal compensation. Used in Corning Varioptic lenses and industrial imaging
Drive method: Voltage-driven (electrowetting or dielectric actuation)
- Corning Varioptic electrowetting lenses (A-PE & V-PE Series)
- Selected Edmund Optics lenses
A-16F: the smallest lens currently available.
A-25H: ideal for compact systems needing fast response, wide focusing range, and no moving parts, particularly suited for miniature industrial cameras. It offers easy integration with high-performance autofocus, comes in versions with two AR coating options, and includes a specialized high dynamic range model (A-25H-D0) for close-distance imaging, with a pre-packaged type featuring a straight FPC connector (FPC-A-33).
A-39N: designed specifically for variable focus products needing a large clear aperture, long focal objectives, large sensors, C-Mount objective lenses, laser beam shaping, etc. It is perfectly suited for industrial vision, optical equipment and biometric devices. with absolutely no moving parts. A-39N features 20 diopters of dynamic range, guaranteeing 5 cm focus ability and offers the same low power consumption, high shock resistance and fast focus ability.
The A-58N: more specifically designed for optical instruments, like ophthalmology, scientific instrumentation, life sciences, and microscopes. The Lens features a large aperture with large dynamic range and a low WFE (Typ. 0.1λ Max. 0.2λ), without compromising on the form factor or ease of integration. no moving parts. A-58N features 15 diopters of dynamic range, guaranteeing 7 cm focus ability and offers the same low power consumption, high shock resistance, and fast focus ability. The lens is available with 3 different AR coating options, and in a pre-packaged format with/without integrated thermistor (a straight FPC connector FPC-A-37).
A-PE-Series is a higher degree of integration of the Corning® Varioptic® liquid lens based on the combination of an A-P Series lens with a dedicated driving board. This product has been designed such as reducing the integration and development effort on user side (comprehensive hardware, calibrated lens etc…) as well as to enhance the electro-optical performance of the lens embedding temperature compensation algorithm for better open loop operation and providing response time acceleration features to handle ever increasing sensor frame rates.
V-PE Series use an innovative 8‑electrode design that allows independent control of spherical power (±24 diopters), cylindrical power (±5 diopters), and axis for astigmatism correction. This design eliminates moving parts, ensuring silent, precise, and highly reliable operation. They are well‑suited for demanding applications like industrial inspection, medical imaging, biometrics, and barcode reading. Available in development kits.
Check our development kits below in Liquid Lens Modules & Kits.
| Model Number Stock Number | Type | CA (mm) | Coating | Focus Range | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-16F0-P31 #28-775 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 1.6 | VIS | -5 to +15 diopter | |
| A-25H0-P33 #28-776 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 2.5 | VIS | -5 to +13 diopter | |
| A-P-25H0-D0-33 #28-777 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 2.5 | VIS | -35 to +35 diopter | |
| A-P-25H1-D0-33 #28-962 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 2.5 | NIR | -35 to +35 diopter | |
| A-39N0-P37 #28-782 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 3.9 | VIS | -5 to +15 diopter | |
| A-39N1-P37 #28-783 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 3.9 | NIR | -5 to +15 diopter | |
| A-58N0-P37 #28-784 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 5.8 | VIS | -5 to +10 diopter | |
| A-58N1-P20 #19-356 Clearance | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 5.8 | NIR | -5 to +10 diopter | |
| A-58N1-P37 r #28-785 | Optotune Packaged Lens w/ Thermistor | 5.8 | NIR | -5 to +10 diopter |
EO’s lenses, which are integrated with liquid lens technology for electronic, rapid focus adjustment are ideal for fast, precise imaging in factory automation and embedded vision, providing electronic and rapid focus control that supports modern machine vision, automation, and embedded imaging needs.
- Liquid Lens Cx Series Fixed Focal Length Lenses: Modular lenses designed for high-resolution imaging, featuring an integrated liquid lens for rapid electronic adjustment of working distance without mechanical movement, perfect for factory automation.
- Liquid Lens M12 Lenses: Board-level S-Mount (M12) lenses delivering compact auto-focus for embedded vision applications, utilizing a liquid lens for quick focus changes. Optimized for high-speed, low-pixel size sensors.
| Product | Integrated Liquid Lens Model: | FL (mm) | Max. Sensor Format | Aperture (f/#) | WD (mm) | Mount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed FL Lens LL Cx Series #33-632  | Corning® Varioptic® A-25H0 | 12.00 | 1/2" | f/6 | 100 - ∞ | C-Mount |
| Fixed FL Lens LL Cx Series #33-646  | Corning® Varioptic® A-25H0 | 16.00 | 2/3" | f/5 | 100 - ∞ | C-Mount |
| Fixed FL Lens LL Cx Series #33-661  | Corning® Varioptic® A-25H0 | 25.00 | 2/3" | f/5 | 150 - ∞ | C-Mount |
| Fixed FL Lens LL Cx Series #33-677  | Corning® Varioptic® A-25H0 | 35.00 | 2/3" | f/7 | 225 - ∞ | C-Mount |
| Fixed FL Lens LL Cx Series #33-676  | Corning® Varioptic® A-39N0 | 35.00 | 2/3" | f/5 | 225 - ∞ | C-Mount |
| Fixed FL Lens LL Cx Series #33-687  | Corning® Varioptic® A-39N0 | 50.00 | 2/3" | f/7 | 250 - ∞ | C-Mount |
| M12 Imaging Lens LL M12 Series #37-521  | Corning® Varioptic® A-39N0 | 6.00 | 1/2" | f/2.4 | 100 - ∞ | S-Mount (M12 x 0.5) |
| M12 Imaging Lens LL M12 Series #37-522  | Corning® Varioptic® A-39N0 | 8.00 | 1/2" | f/2.4 | 150 - ∞ | S-Mount (M12 x 0.5) |
| M12 Imaging Lens LL M12 Series #37-523  | Corning® Varioptic® A-39N0 | 12.00 | 1/2" | f/2.4 | 150 - ∞ | S-Mount (M12 x 0.5) |
| M12 Imaging Lens LL M12 Series #37-524  | Corning® Varioptic® A-39N0 | 16.00 | 1/1.8" | f/2.4 | 220 - ∞ | S-Mount (M12 x 0.5) |
Electrically Tunable Liquid Lenses – Current-Driven
Liquid lenses controlled by electric current, often using voice coil actuators to deform the membrane. Fast response, less temperature stable. Used in autofocus, machine vision, industrial inspection.
The Optotune Focus Tunable Lenses (EL series) offering includes a range of polymer-based electrically tunable liquid lenses with clear apertures from 3mm to 16mm, designed for millisecond-range focus adjustment with connectors optimized for embedded and industrial system integration. These lenses provide fast autofocus, long cycle life, and flexible connector options (FPC and Hirose).
Drive method: Current-driven (electromagnetic actuator)
| Model | Picture | Clear aperture (mm) | Size ØxD or WxHxD (mm) | Optical power range | Lens type | Refractive index | Wavelength (nm) | Connector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EL-3-10-VIS-26D-FPC #37-344 |  | 3 | 10 x 4.0 | -13 to + 13 dpt (-77 to +77 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 - 900 | FPC |
| EL-10-30-Ci-NIR-LD #88-938 Clearance |  | 10 | Hirose | |||||
| EL-10-30-TC-VIS-12D #34-970 Clearance |  | 10 | FPC | |||||
| EL-12-30-TC-VIS-16D-C #78-515 News |  | 12 | 47 x 5.8 | -6 to +10 dpt (-167 to 100 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.45 | 420 - 900 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-5D-M25.5 #33-491 |  | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-5D-M27 #33-492 | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-5D-M30.5 #33-493 | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-5D-M42 #33-495 Clearance | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-5D-C #33-494 | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-5D-1-C #78-517 New | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-NIR-5D-1-C #78-518 New | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 850 to 1500 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-20D-1-C #35-086 | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -10 to +10 dpt (-100 to 100 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
| EL-16-40-TC-VIS-5D-M26 #35-087 Clearance | | 16 | 47.0 x 70.0 x 17.6 | -2 to +3 dpt (-500 to +333 mm) | Plano convex to plano concave | 1.30 | 420 to 950 | Hirose |
Manually Tunable Liquid Lenses
Lenses adjusted manually without electronic control, for simpler or specialized applications.
Drive method: Manual (no electronic driving)
Optotune Manually Focus Tunable Lenses (ML Series) adjust curvature (convex–flat–concave) via an outer ring, enabling precise focal tuning. The rotation mechanism is durable for over 100,000 cycles. They offer a cost‑effective, simple solution for prototyping, R&D, adjustable eye relief, or as a pair in variable beam expanders.
| Clear Aperture (mm) | Dia. (mm) | Focus Range | Wavelength Range (nm) | Mounting Threads | Lifecycles: | Index of Refraction (nd): | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ML-20-37 Optotune Manually Focus Tunable Lenses #12-329 | 20 | 39.50 | -18 to +18 diopter (-55 to +55 mm) | 400 - 700 | C-Mount (Female) | >100,000 | 1.38 |
Liquid Lens Modules & Kits
Turnkey development kits package liquid lenses, driver electronics, cables, and software—ideal for rapid prototyping or product integration. Kits enable direct USB-A connectivity, comprehensive temperature monitoring, and immediate compatibility with machine vision platforms (including AF Explorer Camera support).
Drive method: Current- or voltage-driven with sensor feedback
- Edmund Optics kits with drivers
- Optotune drivers
Development Kits: Electrically Tunable Liquid Lenses – Voltage-Driven
| Model Number Stock Number | Type | CA (mm) | Coating | Focus Range | Lens included | Contents of Kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-PE-25HO-33 #23-230 | Optotune Development Kit | 2.5 | VIS | -5 to +13 diopter | A-PE-25HX-33 Lens | USB-M Universal; USB-B to USB-A Cable Focuslab Software Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-16F0 #28-767 | Optotune Development Kit | 1.6 | VIS | -5 to +15 diopter | A-16F0 Lens (without cable) A-16F0-P31 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Universal Control Board M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-12 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-16F0 #17-124 Clearance | Optotune Development Kit | 1.6 | VIS | -5 to +15 diopter | A-16F0 Lens (without cable) A-16F0-P12 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Flexiboard, M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-12 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-25H0-D0 #28-768 | Optotune Development Kit | 2.5 | VIS | -35 to +35 diopter | A-25H0-D0 Lens (without cable) A-P-25H0-D0-33 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Unviersal Control Board M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-33 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-25H1-D0 #28-961 | Optotune Development Kit | 2.5 | NIR | -35 to +35 diopter | A-25H0-D0 Lens (without cable) A-P-25H1-D0-33 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Unviersal Control Board M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-33 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-39N0 #28-769 | Optotune Development Kit | 3.9 | VIS | -5 to +15 diopter | A-39N0 Lens (without cable) A-39N0-P37 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Unviersal Control Board M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-37 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-39N1 #28-770 | Optotune Development Kit | 3.9 | NIR | -5 to +15 diopter | A-39N0 Lens (without cable) A-39N1-P37 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Unviersal Control Board M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-37 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-58N0 #28-771 | Optotune Development Kit | 5.8 | VIS | -5 to +10 diopter | A-58N0 Lens (without cable) A-58N0-P37 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Unviersal Control Board M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-37 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-58N1 #28-772 | Optotune Development Kit | 5.8 | NIR | -5 to +10 diopter | A-58N1 Lens (without cable) A-58N1-P37 Lens (with straight flex cable) | Maxim MAX14574 Driver Board USB-M Unviersal Control Board M4 thread holder for lens Straight Flex Cable FPC-A-37 Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-A-PE-25H1-33 #73-560 New | Optotune Development Kit | 2.5 | NIR | -5 to +13 diopter | A-PE-25H1-33 Lens | USB-M Flexiboard USB-B to USB-A Cable Focuslab Software Control Software Documentation Package |
| D-V-PE-80R0-07 #74-503 New | Optotune Development Kit | 8.0 | VIS | -12 to +12 diopter (Sphere Only); -6 to +6 diopter (Sphere using Cylinder); -5 to 0 diopter(Cylinder Only) | V-PE-80RO-07 Lens | USB-M Universal USB-B to USB-A Cable Visalab Software Control Software Documentation Package |
Optotune Lens Driver 4 and 4i
Lens driver boards for controlling Optotune liquid lenses; offering precision, temperature compensation, user software download, and current-control for integrated autofocus in OEM or R&D systems. Type: Driver Electronics (for Electrically Focus-Tunable Lenses).
Liquid Lens Cameras
Liquid lens cameras use integrated liquid lenses to deliver rapid, reliable electronic autofocus with no moving mechanical components, ensuring superior durability and fast performance. Cameras in this category include compact board-level options (M12 and C-Mount) and machine vision lenses with focal lengths ranging from 6mm to 50mm, supporting up to 12 megapixels for high-resolution imaging. These cameras offer continuous focusability, wide adjustment ranges, and are ideal for industrial, medical, and biometric applications that demand precise and compact autofocus solutions
- Pixelink
- IDS Imaging
- Corning Varioptic