Design and simulation of variable focus column lens based on flexible materials

Utilizing the flexible material PDMS, a zoom column lens is crafted to achieve a wide focal length adjustment range and superior focusing quality. The influence of parameters such as the initial radius of curvature and lens thickness on the focal length and focusing quality is initially analyzed. By employing COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software, the impact of various initial structural parameters on the lens's focal length adjustment range and focusing quality is assessed. The proposed design method's feasibility is validated with a specific example. For a lens with an initial half-aperture of D=10mm, thickness d=2mm, and width h=4mm, the focal range extends from 38.672mm to 58.835mm, offering a considerable adjustment range of 20.163mm. Additionally, the root mean square radius (RMS) remains below 29.1 μm, nearing the diffraction limit. This design process is also suitable for selecting initial structural parameters for varying size requirements, providing an effective approach to developing zoom column lens using flexible materials.