Variable fresnel type structures and process

Abstract

In the lens embodiment, the invention described herein incorporates a first fluid with a first refractive index in a first series of concentric surfaces and a second fluid with a second refractive index in a second series of concentric surfaces. The two surfaces being adjacent to one another alternating between a concentric circle of the first then a concentric circle of the second then the first and etc. Wherein each circular surface in the series of first and second fluid surfaces are separated by a transparent barrier with elasticity. Additionally, fluid can be added or subtracted to each concentric circle as desired through ports in their otherwise sealed chambers. The structure and process described produces a refractive and/or diffractive optical component which is predictably and reliably variable as to its focal length and transmittance direction. In the mirror embodiment, a the membrane is coated with a reflective material and is operated to form variable angles and curves and correspondingly variable focal lengths.