Future research efforts in flat optical processing elements will continue to revolutionize the fields of imaging and communications. Advances in transmissive flat electro-optics have been lead by impressive breakthroughs in liquid crystal technologies [1]. Digital micro-mirror arrays have found broad impact in fields ranging from projection displays to dynamic filtering [2]. Progress has now been made in key performance areas such as size, agility, and maximum optical power. However, providing wide-angle beam deflection with these new approaches often requires cascading of multiple active and/or passive steering elements. Therefore, wide-angle capability remains to be achieved in a stand-alone and transmissive electro-optic element. An excellent candidate technology for next-generation beam steering and flat optics is electrowetting microprisms (EMPs) [3,4]. EMPs with continuous beam steering through an angle of 14° (±7°) have been demonstrated. Projections for EMPs are promising for good switching rate (~10's kHz), polarization independent operation, modulation of field of view, and wide angle steering (>30°).
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