Patent ID: 7701644
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical element comprising: a container having a holding chamber; a polar or conductive first liquid filled in the holding chamber; a second liquid filled in the holding chamber and not mixing with the first liquid; first and second electrodes for applying an electric field to the first liquid; and voltage application means for applying voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the change of the position subject to the voltage application by the voltage application means to the first and second electrodes moves the first liquid in the second liquid within the holding chamber; the holding chamber includes first and second end walls facing against each other in the direction that light passes through; the first electrode is provided on one end wall of the first and second end walls, and the second electrode is provided on the other end wall of the first and second end walls; the second electrode includes a central electrode member and multiple surrounding electrode members around the central electrode member; and the first electrode includes a single electrode member facing against the central electrode member and the multiple surrounding electrode members.