Adaptive optics assisted reconfigurable liquid-driven optical switch

This study demonstrates a mechanical-based, liquid-driven optical switch integrated with adaptive optics and a reconfigurable black liquid (dye-doped liquid). The device aperture can be continuously tuned between 0.6 and 6.9 mm, precisely achieved by a syringe pump for volume control. Adaptive optics (AO) capability and possible enhancement of the lost power intensity of the ink-polluted glass plate have also been experimentally investigated. While measuring power intensity with/without AO indicates only a marginal difference of ∼1%, a significant difference of 3 s in the response characteristic of “switching on” time can be observed. An extremely high contrast ratio of ∼105 for a red-colored light is achieved.