US Patent 7929218 Variable lens

The invention relates to a variable lens for controlling electromagnetic radiation that interacts with said lens in a controlled manner. The lens includes a container; a first dielectric fluid that is held in the container; a second dielectric fluid that is held in the container, a phase boundary layer between the first and the second fluid. The relative dielectric constant of the first fluid is different from a relative dielectric constant of the second fluid. At least one first electrode; and at least one second electrode is positioned in relation to the first electrode in such a way that an electric current that is applied between the first and the second electrode generates an electric field, which infiltrates the phase boundary layer.