Patent ID: 6666559
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An optical element comprising:a variable-profile optical device in which a pressure is applied to an elastic portion, a profile of said elastic portion is thereby changed and a focus distance may be varied; a structural member which is bonded to a portion of said variable-profile optical device, and which supports said variable-profile optical device; a pressure chamber bonded to said elastic portion of said variable-profile optical device, so that the pressure is applied to said elastic portion of said variable-profile optical device; a pump device including a chamber, a diaphragm which also serves as a portion of a wall of the chamber, and nozzles for suction and discharge which are connected to said chamber; and a vibration device which vibrates the diaphragm of said pump device, wherein said pump device is connected to said pressure chamber and the outside of said structural member, at least a portion of said pressure chamber and a portion of the chamber of said pump device are disposed in the same structural member, and a vibration frequency or amplitude of said vibration device is controlled, to vary a focus distance of said variable-profile optical device.