A micromirror array with annular partitioning for high-speed random-access axial focusing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-speed, low-overhead micromirror array with annular partitioning for rapid, precise axial focusing, enabling advanced applications in microscopy, AR/VR, and material processing.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel micromirror array with annular partitioning that achieves high-speed axial focusing with low drive voltage and broad focusing range, surpassing existing varifocal technologies.

Findings

Achieves 15.44 kHz refresh rate with 64.8 μs settling time.

Provides 2π phase shift for wavelengths shorter than 1100 nm.

Targets 29 distinct depth planes in optical experiments.

Abstract

Dynamic axial focusing functionality has recently experienced widespread incorporation in microscopy, augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), adaptive optics, and material processing. However, the limitations of existing varifocal tools continue to beset the performance capabilities and operating overhead of the optical systems that mobilize such functionality. The varifocal tools that are the least burdensome to drive (ex: liquid crystal, elastomeric or optofluidic lenses) suffer from low (~ 100 Hz) refresh rates. Conversely, the fastest devices sacrifice either critical capabilities such as their dwelling capacity (ex: acoustic gradient lenses or monolithic micromechanical mirrors) or low operating overhead (e.g., deformable mirrors). Here, we present a general-purpose random-access axial focusing device that bridges these previously conflicting features of high speed, dwelling capacity and lightweight drive by employing low-rigidity micromirrors that exploit the robustness of defocusing phase profiles. Geometrically, the device consists of an 8.2 mm diameter array of piston-motion and 48 um-pitch micromirror pixels that provide 2pi phase shifting for wavelengths shorter than 1 100 nm with 10-90 % settling in 64.8 us (i.e., 15.44 kHz refresh rate). The pixels are electrically partitioned into 32 rings for a driving scheme that enables phase-wrapped operation with circular symmetry and requires less than 30 V per channel. Optical experiments demonstrated the array's wide focusing range with a measured ability to target 29 distinct, resolvable depth planes. Overall, the features of the proposed array offer the potential for compact, straightforward methods of tackling bottlenecked applications including high-throughput single-cell targeting in neurobiology and the delivery of dense 3D visual information in AR/VR.