Adaptive Photo Thermal lens

Jon Shon Donner

Dr. Romain Quidant

Plasmon Nano-Optics

A new adaptive lens technology has been developed to enable dynamic and precise optical focusing through the modulation of refractive index using localized thermal gradients. This innovation allows the conversion of any fixed optical lens into a reconfigurable optical element, with applications in sectors such as biomedical imaging, additive manufacturing, and aerospace. The system employs nano-engineered metallic structures embedded in thermo-optical materials that respond to optical or electrical stimuli, creating fast, transparent, and tunable lensing effects without mechanical movement. Unlike existing approaches—such as liquid crystal systems or deformable mirrors—this solution achieves significantly faster response times and is compatible with transmission-mode optics. A prototype device was fabricated using scalable microfabrication techniques and successfully integrated into a commercial microscope, demonstrating real-time adaptive imaging of complex 3D samples and living cells. The technology, validated at TRL 5, has attracted strong interest from major optics firms, notably through engagement with Hamamatsu in the EDI tech-transfer program. Two patent applications have been filed to protect the core innovation, supporting its path toward commercialization.

Main Achievements: • Ability to transform any fixed optical lens into an adaptive and adjustable lens. • Small, fast and controllable by an optical or electrical signal. • Basic prototype has been developed (TRL 5), and possibility of low cost fabrication was assessed. • Raised interest of many companies in different sectors. Some have confirmed willingness to explore potential commercial agreements

Adaptive Lens Technology; Dynamic Optical Focusing; Precise Optical Focusing; Refractive Index Modulation; Localized Thermal Gradients; Fixed Optical Lens; Reconfigurable Optical Element; Biomedical Imaging; Additive Manufacturing; Aerospace; Nano-engineered Metallic Structures; Thermo-optical Materials; Optical Stimuli; Electrical Stimuli; Fast Lensing Effects; Transparent Lensing Effects; Tunable Lensing Effects; No Mechanical Movement; Liquid Crystal Systems; Deformable Mirrors; Faster Response Times; Transmission-Mode Optics; Prototype Device; Scalable Microfabrication Techniques; Commercial Microscope Integration; Real-time Adaptive Imaging; Complex 3D Samples; Living Cells; Technology Validation; TRL 5; Optics Firms; Hamamatsu; EDI Tech-Transfer Program; Patent Applications; Commercialization