Queen Mary University researchers develop graphene-powered soft lens
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed an experimental soft lens that uses graphene and flexible materials to change focus electronically. This advancement, detailed in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, aims to create smaller, lighter, and more practical adaptive lenses for smart glasses, cameras, and medical optical devices.
Unlike traditional systems that rely on rigid mechanisms, motors, or gears, this technology utilizes a dielectric elastomer actuator that acts like an artificial muscle. When an electrical signal is applied, the actuator expands radially, stretching the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) lens membrane. This change in curvature modifies the focal distance, allowing the lens to focus on objects at varying distances in a manner similar to the human eye.
To facilitate this, scientists used a thin layer of reduced graphene oxide as an electrode. While not entirely transparent, this layer allows electronics to be placed directly beneath the lens without significantly blocking light, reducing the overall size and complexity of the optical system.
Entities
Advanced Functional Materials · Queen Mary University of London
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A thin layer of reduced graphene oxide was deposited on the actuator to serve as an electrode. www.lne.es · www.eldia.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Electrical signals cause the actuator to expand radially, changing the lens curvature and focal distance. www.lne.es · www.eldia.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The study was published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials. www.lne.es · www.eldia.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The technology combines a flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) lens with a dielectric elastomer actuator. www.lne.es · www.eldia.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Researchers at Queen Mary University of London developed an experimental soft lens using graphene. www.lne.es · www.eldia.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The lens uses electricity to change focus without moving parts like motors or gears. www.lne.es · www.eldia.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com