Water, Paper, Glass

This article reviews the inability of some fluids to mix makes for a fine focus in a tight space. Scientists and engineers at Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands are developing a fluid lens that loosely duplicates the way in which they see with their own eyes. Called the Fluid Focus lens, it focuses by adjusting the shape of the lens itself. In much the same manner, the human eye varies the shape of its own lens to bring nearby and far-off objects into view. Time will tell if fluid paper or fluid lenses will make it to the market. Already, Samsung and Varioptic have jointly demonstrated an autofocus camera module that uses liquid lenses and an integrated circuit for controlling its electrowetting. According to a press release, Samsung will be targeting its camera module marketing at mobile phone and PDA makers.