Focus Tunable Lenses

Shaping the future of optics

“Optotune’s mission is to enhance people’s
lives through innovation in dynamic lightcontrol.”“Optotune’s vision is to be the solution of
choice for optical systems that needdynamic light control.”Dr. Manuel Aschwanden
CEO

Established in Switzerland in 2008
and privately owned

28 sales partners and distributors
in 30 countries

250 employees in Switzerland,
Slovakia, Taiwan and Korea

More than 1 million products soldworldwide

R&D spend exceeding 25% ofrevenue

5000 m2 production & cleanroom
capacities exceeding 300 Ku/year

MARKETS

1

Industrial, medical, AR/VR and
automotive markets

Innovative award winning products

3Core competences
Patented optical technology: Optotune combines optics with smart actuation techniques toenable compact and reliable solutions for dynamic light control. Thanks to our highly innovativeand patented technology, our customers are able to deliver cutting-edge products acrossseveral markets.

In-depth research capabilities: Optotune is continuously investing in material characterizationand testing to deliver state-of-the-art products that solve the most challenging applications suchas high-frequency vibration environments or ultra-portable systems.

Scalable manufacturing: having different manufacturing sites at various levels of automation
enables our customers to access our products with a top-class delivery performance fromsampling through to mass production in class 1000 cleanrooms.

“We make optical innovation happen”

360

360° design skills: from optics simulation in Zemax to mechanical and electrical design tosoftware, our R&D team enables our customers to access a one-stop-shop for our liquid lenses
and optical actuators.

Application & customer support team: application diversity in fast changing markets has
increased the challenge to identify the appropriate solution; our application engineering teamwill carry out extensive feasibility studies to select the right Optotune products to solve yourchallenge.

C

Custom design: demanding applications have often specific requirements (coatings, opticalpower ranges, dimensional constraints, certificates), which call for customization. Optotune’s
know-how in design, manufacturing and quality assurance enables the delivery of future-proof
custom products.

5Liquid lenses overview

Electrically tunable lenses

Optotune provides a range of electrically tunable lenses- also known as liquid lenses - which are based on its
proprietary shape-changing design to provide fast andreliable focus control. Our ELs are available in different
sizes, focal power and wavelength ranges (from 400 to
2500nm). Compact designs with FPC connection cables
are available for integration into optical systems. Somemodels also feature industrial versions with mounting
threads and robust Hirose connectors.
Key features:• Response time of few milliseconds• Low dispersion (Abbe# V>100)• Lifetime > 1 billion cycles• High repeatability <0.1 dpt

EL -16 - 40-TC with thread adapters (industrial version)

Product

Focal power range(dpt)

Clear aperture(mm)

Outer diameter(mm)

Rise / settling
time (ms)Repeatability(dpt)

EL -3-10-13 to +13

3

10

1/4

N/A

EL -10-30-TC+8 to +20

1030

2.5 / 20< 0.1

EL -10-30-C+5 to +10
-1.5 to +3.5

1030

2.5 / 15

< 0.1

EL -10-42-2 to +2

10

42

2/8

< 0.02EL -12-30-6 to +10

1230

3 / 10< 0.1

EL -16-40-TC-10 to +10

1640

5 / 25< 0.1

For detailed information about Optotune’s liquid lenses, please visit www.optotune.com/focus-tunable-lenses

EL -3-10

EL -10-30-TC

EL -12-30

7

ELM series

ELM series

Optotune has co-designed with its optics partners a series of lens modules developed around
its electrically tunable lenses. This results in an optically optimized and integrated solution that
simplifies the design of vision systems.
Within the ELM series, there are two subcategories: fixed focal length lenses (ELM-F series)
and telecentric lenses (ELM-T series).

ELM-T series
The ELM-T series is made of telecentric lenses designed
to accommodate Optotune’s electrically tunable lenses in
the optical path. This optimized design preserves
telecentricity and near constant magnification.
Magnification change is linear with the working
distance and can be easily calibrated out.

ELM-F seriesThis series currently supports magnifications ranging from
0.133x up to 4x and camera sensor formats from 1/2”
inch up to 35mm.

The ELM-F series consists of fixed focal length lenses
specifically designed to accommodate Optotune’s
electrically tunable lenses in the optical path.

Key features:

The series, which is in continuous expansion, currently
supports S-mount and C-mount cameras up to a sensor
size of 1.1” with focal lengths ranging from 5 to 300mm.

• Image distortion-free• No loss of resolution• No vignetting• Tested and integrated modules

Key features:• Fully tested and integrated modules• Low f-numbers without vignetting• Most compact solutions

8

EL -16-40 + S5VPJ0303

ELM-25-2.8-18-C

Product

Focal length
(mm)

F#

Pixel size (um)

Camera sensor
formatMount

Connector

Product

PMAG

F#

Camera sensor
formatWorking
distance (mm)Mount

Manufacturer

ELM-5-5.0-7-S

5

5.0

2.2

1/2.5”

S-mountFPC

S5VPJ1860

0.133x7

1”79.7 - 434.1

C-mount

Sill

ELM-16-5.4-8-S

16

5.4

1.8

1/2.3”

S-mount

FPC

TCALP43F-0267-208

0.26x

7.5

4/3”

195.0 - 220.0

F-mount

Linkhou

ELM-12-2.8-18-C

12

2.8

2.4

1.1”

C-mount

HiroseTCALP1-05-110

0.50x

7.2

1”

106.0 - 122.0

C-mount

Linkhou

ELM-25-2.8-18-C

25

2.8

2.4

1.1”

C-mount

Hirose

EO 36-192

0.75x

10

2/3”

85.0 - 99.0

C-mount

EO

ELM-35-5.6-14-C

35

5.6

3.0

2/3”

C-mount

Hirose

VS-THV1-110/S-LQL1

1x

10

1”

106.1 - 120.0

C-mount

VST

ELM-35-5.6-16-C

35

5.6

3.0

1”

C-mount

HiroseS5VPJ0627

1.5x

18

1”

152.4 - 172.3

C-mount

Sill

ELM-35-3.5-16-C-NIR

35

3.5

3.0

1”

C-mount

FPC

VS-THV3-110/S-LQL1

2x

9.6

1”

105.4 - 115.6

C-mount

VST

ELM-50-2.8-16-C

50

2.8

3.0

1”

C-mount

HiroseS5VPJ0426

2.5x

25

35mm

94.8 - 104.6

M42

Sill

ELM-50-3.8-16-C-NIR

50

3.8

3.0

1”

C-mountFPC

S5VPJ0420

3x

25

35mm

91.2 - 101.2

M42

Sill

ELM-75-4.0-8-C

75

4.0

3.45

1/2”

C-mount

FPC

VS-TCH4-65-LQL1

4x

17.5

2/3”

64.7 - 65.3

C-mount

VST

ELM-150-7.5-11-C

150

7.5

5.0

2/3”

C-mount

HiroseELM-300-10.0-11-C

300

10.0

8.0

2/3”

C-mount

HiroseSelection of lenses representative of the ELM-T series, for a full list, please visit www.optotune.com/telecentric-lenses

9Laser processing lenses overview

Manual Lenses overview

Tunable lenses with optical feedback

Manual lenses

The electrically focus-tunable EL -10-42-OF lens features
an integrated proprietary optical feedback (OF)mechanism optimized for 2.5D and 3D laser processing
applications. The EL -10-42-OF sets the highest standards
for spot quality and speed for large marking areas andvolume.

The Optotune ML -20-37 manually focus-tunable lens isdesigned to have its lens curvature change between
convex (+18 dpt), flat (0 dpt) and concave (-18 dpt) by therotation of the outer adjustment ring. The rotation
mechanism is extremely durable (>100’000 rotations),
linear and low in torque, allowing for easy and reliablemotorization that reaches a repeatability of typically 0.1
dpt.

Key features:• Large z-range and large area marking (LAM)• Fast and precise z-axis control• Constant and small spot size
• Compact form factor and low weight• Easy integration with analogue/digital control• Coaxial visual inspection

The ML -20-37 is available with and without C-mountadapter.
Key features:
EL -10-42-OF -NIR

ML -20-37-VIS-36D-C• Large optical power range of 36 dpt• Zero holding power• Easy to motorize

Product

Focal power
range (dpt)

Wavelength
range (nm)Max laser
power (W)

Clear aperture(mm)

Outer diameter(mm)

Rise / settling
time (ms)Repeatability(dpt)

Product

Range of optical power(focal length)

C-mount

Cover glass coating

Wavefront error*

EL -10-42-OF NIR-2 to +2

950 - 1100

50

10

42

2/8

0.02

ML -20-37-VIS-36D-18 dpt (-55mm) to +18
dpt (+55mm)

no400 - 700nm<0.19 / 0.95

EL -10-42-OF 532-2 to +2

532

20

10

42

2/8

0.02

ML -20-37-VIS-36D-C-18 dpt (-55mm) to +18
dpt (+55mm)

yes

400 - 700nm<0.19 / 0.95

For detailed information about Optotune’s EL -10-42-OF, please visit www.optotune.com/el-10-42-of-lens

10

For detailed information about Optotune’s ML -20-37, please visit www.optotune.com/ml-20-37-lens11Working principle and advantages

Focus tunable lenses

Traditional optics are focused through a mechanical movement of the lenses, which is adjusted
depending on the object distance. This presents several downsides:• Limited focusing speed• Need for a motor to change focus, which increases size and complexity• High maintenance and calibration cost
• Limited cycle life due to wear and tear of mechanics
Optotune’s proprietary focus tunable lenses overcome the limitations of traditional lenses anddeliver the state-of-the-art solution to solve applications that require fast focusing.
Key advantages
The key advantages of this technology compared to traditional optics are:• Fast-focusing speed in few milliseconds• Compact and robust design• High reliability (more than a billion cycles)• Cost-effectivenessAs a result, Optotune’s focus tunable lenses have become a key component for numerous
applications in industrial, medical, and consumer industries.
Working principle
The core element of Optotune’s focus tunable lenses consists of a container, which is filledwith an optical liquid and sealed off with a thin, elastic polymer membrane. A voice-coil actuatorpushes liquid into the center of the polymer membrane and deflects it. As a result, the radius of
the lens can assume different configurations (from concave to flat to convex) and thus change
the optical power of the lens itself. The actuator is usually current controlled, and in some cases
built-in temperature sensing, position sensing or optical feedback are used to achieve highrepeatability.

Bobbin with voice coil
Membrane

Fluid

12

Container

13

Controllers overview

Controllers

Lens controller compatibility

Optotune’s focus tunable lenses are controlled by current. Off-the-shelf controllers are available
that provide the necessary current to the specific product and offer advanced software control
options, such as temperature compensation and response time optimization.
Controllers range from compact portables, R&D development kits to 24/7 industrial operation
solutions.
EL -E-4

Product

Applications

Current range

Interfaces

EL -E-4i

TR-CL -180

ICC-4CEL -E-OF-A-2

SCAPS DSD-2

Portable systems,
R&D

Portable systems,
R&D

Industrial 24/7
operation

Industrial 24/7
operation

R&D, industrial &medical lasers

R&D, industrial &medical lasers-290 to + 290 mA-290 to + 290 mA-500 to +500 mA-400 to +400 mA

0 – 300 mA (ADC
resolution 16 bit)0 – 300 mA

Analog 0-5V

USC3 / XY2-100
scanner cards,
USB

USB, UART,
Analog 0-5 V

USB, UART,
Analog 0-5 V

USB, Ethernet,
UART, I2C,
Analog 0-10V

GigE, RS232,
Analog 0-10 V

SDKs

C#, LabVIEW,
Python

C#, LabVIEW,
PythonC#, Python

Triniti SDK, C#,
C++, VB-SCAPS DSD-2
GUI

Supply voltage

5V

5V

24 V

24 V

24 V

24 V

Connection

FPC

HiroseHiroseHirose--Channels

1

1

4

1

1

1

Standards

CE, RoHS

CE, RoHS

CE, RoHS

CE, RoHS

CE, RoHS

CE, RoHS

Product

EL -E-4

EL -E-4i

ICC-4CEL -3-10-FPC+

EL -10-30-TC+

EL -10-30-C+

TR-CL -180

EL -E-OF-A-2

SCAPS DSD-2

EL -10-30-Ci

EL -12-30-TC+

EL -16-40-TC
(FPC)

+

EL -16-40-TC(Hirose)
ELM-F
(FPC)

+

ELM-F
(Hirose)ELM-T(Hirose)EL -10-42-OF-NIR

EL -10-42-OF-532+ Compatible with extension kit

Above: The Optotune ICC-4C-500 four channel controller
1415

Applications

Robotics inspection

The challenge:
Robots are taking more and more space within our factories and they are now used both inproduction and inspection processes, the necessity of fast and precise focus on the on-board
vision system is becoming key to increase the throughput and reduce the yield loss due toundetected defects.
Optotune’s solution:
Optotune liquid lenses with fast response time (within 20ms), high repeatability and life timeof more than 1 billion cycles are the perfect solution for the on-board vision system of yourrobot to quickly change the focus of your camera sensor and enable defect detection during theinspection process. Simply move your camera closer to the object and refocus to increase themagnification!
EL product family advantages:• Fast focus within milliseconds• Large working distance range• Remote focus control• High repeatability• Long life time
Applications with similar challenges:• Barcode reading• Bottle inspection• Package sorting
Products:

ELM-F series

EL -16-40

EL -10-30+ Controller

17Applications

Dermatoscopes

The challenge:
Handheld scientific devices (including medical devices) are expanding their presence in several
key fields thanks to their transportability and ease of use. To achieve these features, it is key toobtain sharp images in rapid succession with a compact, ergonomic, and lightweight device
that offers a satisfying user experience.
Optotune’s solution:
Optotune liquid lenses have a small form factor, are lightweight (circa 1.25g), are fast with a
response time of 4ms, and offer an impressive lifespan of more than 1 billion cycles. Optotune
liquid lenses are the perfect solution to integrate into handheld medical devices. Which, when
integrated, allow for medical practitioners to rapidly change diopter focus, allowing for the fast
analysis of visual samples in the field.
EL product family advantages:• No vibration• Fast focus within milliseconds• Large working distance range• Lightweight• Long lifespanApplications with similar challenges:• Portable telescopes• Portable microscopes
Products:

EL -3-10

EL -12-30+ Controller

19Applications

Iris recognition

The challenge:
Iris recognition devices are increasingly being incorporated into daily lives and working
environments, such as financial transactions, home security systems, surveillance, and bordercontrol. Due to a large number of people approaching recognition devices at different speeds
and distances, a wide working distance range and a fast vision system - with the ability toquickly refocus within milliseconds - is required. A major concern is also to protect the human
eye and not to damage the retina, therefore it is preferable to work in the infrared spectrum.
Optotune’s solution:
Optotune liquid lenses with NIR coating, offer a fast response time (down to 4ms), a large
working distance range, up to a billion cycles, and are optimized for iris recognition devices.
When integrated into systems, they allow for safe and speedy iris recognition within
milliseconds.
EL product family advantages:• NIR coating• Fast focus within milliseconds• Large working distance range• High repeatability
Applications with similar challenges:• Face recognition• Biometric devices
Products:

EL -3-10

EL -12-30

ELM-F series+ Controller

21Applications

3D laser processing
The challenge:
Traditional z-axis laser processing such as marking and engraving rely on bulky and expensive
mechanical optics to adjust the focus plane. In addition, f-theta lenses are relied upon to
perform the optical field flattening. Furthermore, f-theta lenses are for the most part unable tocover large marking areas and offer a constant spot size.
Optotune’s solution:
Optotune’s EL -10-42-OF liquid lens with integrated optical feedback removes the need for
cumbersome laser optics and f-theta lenses. The EL -10-42-OF allows for the fast processing oflarge x-y and z distances and does not require an f-theta lens. Unlike its competitors, the EL -1042-OF is able to achieve optical field flattening whilst maintaing the laser spot at a constant size.
EL -10-42 product family advantages:• Laser power up to 50 W
• Fast z-axis control in large volumes• Repeatability as small as 0.02 dpt• Easy integration with analogue
and digital (XY2-100) controllers• Compact form factor and low weightEL -10-42-OF

Galvo scannerFixed lensApplications with similar challenges:• 3D printing / Additive manufacturing• Medical / Ophthalmology• Micromachining• Laser projection templating
Products:

EL -10-42-OF-NIR+ Controller

23

Applications

Wide-field microscopy

The challenge:
Fast Z focusing and image stability have always been a difficult trade off in microscopy
applications, particularly to acquire 3D information (DFF) or to compute images with extended
depth of field (EDOF). Current technologies such as stepper motor Z actuators or piezo
positioners are impacting the throughput in the life science business because of slow speed(stepper motor Z actuators) or because of the small travel and vibration (piezo positioners).
It has always been necessary to combine the two different technologies to overcome thesebottlenecks, increasing the complexity and the cost of the system.
Optotune’s solution:
Optotune focus tunable liquid lenses provide a versatile, compact and cost-effective solution
to overcome this challenge. Thanks to the absence of translational mechanics, liquid lenses
have the possibility to focus within few milliseconds combining coarse and fine focusing range,
ensuring no vibrations.
EL product family advantages:• Fast Z stacking• No vibrations• Large working distance range
Applications with similar challenges:• Confocal Microscopy• 3D Light Sheet microscopy• Spectroscopy• Digital holographic Microscopy
Products:

EL -10-30

EL -16-40+ Controller

25

Contact us

Application evaluation, sales, and support

Optotune, with its core competencies and years of experience in challenging applications, isable to assist its customers at the early stages of their product development through feasibility
studies and custom designs. Furthermore, our comprehensive approach ensures support not
only in the design and production phase, but also during the entire product life cycle.
Feasibility studies:
Optotune supports you to evaluate the feasibility of your application and solve it through yoursetup with Optotune’s products. Our application engineers are available to guide your teamthrough the initial challenges and obtain the best possible results within the shortest timeframe.
Product customization:
Our application and engineering teams support you in drafting the specifications to design thebest product for your challenges; throughout the mechanical and optical design simulation our
team guides you step-by-step to enhance your current optical setup.
After-sales support:
Optotune provides its customers with an on-going product support throughout the life cycleof the application. Our team of engineers can assist you and support you at every step of yourproduct development.

How can we support you? Tell us more about your application.

sales@optotune.com

.com

HQ
+41 58 856 3000

26

www.optotune.com

Optotune Switzerland AG
Bernstrasse 388
CH-8953 Dietikon
Switzerland

27

ONE MILLION LENSES IN ONE

OPTOTUNE EL-16-40 LIQUID LENSTHE SWISS SHAPE SHIFTER - FROM CONCAVE TO CONVEX IN JUST A FEW MILLISECONDS

www.optotune.com