pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S12 - (General Session 12) Rubber Processing and Technology
Poster Presentation
 
 

Fabrication of Simple Optical Lens Control System based on Dielectric Elastomer Actuator

Park Sang Woo (1), Lee Ji Hyeon (1), Lee Gi-Bbeum (1), Kang Seok In (1), Ha Jimin (1), Jin Boya (1), Ren Hongwen (1), Nah Changwoon (1)*

(1) BK21 Plus Haptic Polymer Composite Research Team of Chonbuk National University - Jeon-buk - SouthKorea

The dielectric elastomer is one class of electro-active polymers, which can be widely used in applications of actuators and sensors. The silicone and acrylate rubbers are typical examples for the application as optical products because of their transparent characteristics. The dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) system is composed of a thin elastomer film sandwiched with two stretchable electrodes such as carbon grease. When the applied Maxwell stresses overcome the resisting mechanical compressive modulus, the rubber sheet becomes thinner providing expanded area. The expanded rubber sheet recovers when the voltage is off because of rubber elasticity. In this study, a new attempt is made to see any feasibility of using the DEA as the optical lens control system. A thin (thickness 0.2 mm) silicone rubber sheet is stretched by around 50% in area, and a hole (diameter 1mm) is punctured at the center of the sheet. The carbon grease is applied around the hole on upper and bottom surfaces of the sheet for actuation. A glycerol is poured into the hole to make a hemisphere curvature on the upper surface like the conventional lens. A light source is placed from bottom to upper direction. When the electrical voltage is applied to the new optical lens control system, the curvature of the glycerol lens is successfully controlled to provide a precise focus control. The new system can be a promising candidate of the optical lens system with easy and simple control. Keywords: Dielectric Elastomer, Actuator, Optical Lens