Dielectric elastomers with low elastic stiffness and high dielectric constant are smart materials that produce large strains (up to 300percent) and belong to the group of electroactive polymers. Dielectric elastomer actuators are made from films of dielectric elastomers coated on both sides with compliant electrode material. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), which is known as a transparent conducting polymer, has been widely used as an interfacial layer or polymer electrode in polymer electronic devices. In this study, we propose the transparent dielectric elastomer as a material of actuator driving variable-focus lens system using PEDOT as a transparent electrode. The variable-focus lens module has light transmittance up to 70percent and maximum displacement up to 450. When voltage is applied to the fabricated lens module, optical focal length is changed. We anticipate our research to be a starting point for new model of variable-focus lens system. This system could find applications in portable devices, such as digital cameras, camcorder, and cell phones.
展开▼
