Methods and assemblies relating to the manufacture of variable focusing power optical devices

Abstract

Methods of filling an envelope () of a compression-type adjustable optical device (), such as a liquid lens or mirror, which is formed in part by a distensible membrane () having an exterior optical surface, with a substantially incompressible fluid () to a predetermined optical power or radius of curvature; the methods comprising pumping fluid into the envelope () under vacuum through a fluid supply conduit () in fluid communication with an interior of the envelope () while allowing air to escape from the envelope through a fluid overflow conduit () in fluid communication with the interior of the envelope (); continuing to pump fluid () into the envelope () to cause the membrane () to distend to an optical power of the optical device () that is greater than the predetermined optical power while allowing excess fluid () to escape from the envelope through the overflow device (); slowing or stopping the supply of fluid to the envelope (), thereby to allow the membrane () progressively to relax and monitoring the optical power of the optical device () until it falls to the predetermined optical power; removing the fluid supply conduit () and fluid overflow conduit (); and thereafter sealing the envelope (). Also disclosed is an overflow device having a deflector portion () and a filling device () for use in the methods of the invention.