5.2µs-response variable focal-length lenses using KTa1-xNbxO3 crystals

Electro-optic crystals are promising candidates for materials used for variable focal-length lenses because they exhibit fast responses. Shibaguchi et al reported variable focal-length lenses fabricated using EO lead-lanthanum zirconate-titanate (PLZT) [1]. However, when used as cylindrical lenses, they suffer from intrinsic inhomogeneity as regards focal length. In this paper, we propose KTa
1-x
Nb
x
O
3
(KTN) lenses that do not suffer from this inhomogeneity because of their different geometry. We also discuss basic properties of the lenses including time responses.