Varioptic’s Technology now available in Sunex Lenses for Digital Imaging Applications 

Carlsbad (CA) and Lyon (France), 24 November 2005 – Sunex, Inc and Varioptic S.A announce the first ever liquid autofocus lens for digital imaging applications.  Developed in cooperation with Varioptic, the pioneering Electrowetting and Liquid Autofocus technology enable Sunex industry-leading lenses with a compact autofocus capability that has no moving parts. Initial offerings for this cutting-edge technology include the Sunex AFL872 lens, based on the proven DSL872 compact megapixel design. 

“Incorporating the liquid lens represents a unique alternative over other autofocus technologies,” says Peter Allard, Director of Sales and Marketing at Sunex, Inc. “Our goal has always been to provide innovative optical solutions to the digital imaging industry and Varioptic’s novel solution opens the door to new advancements for multiple applications and industries.” 

“Our partnership with Sunex provides a ready-to-go autofocus lens module,” adds John Barber, VP of Business Development at Varioptic “So camera module companies can prepare working prototypes in just a few minutes, and handset manufacturers and other device companies in turn can quickly see the advantages that liquid lens systems offers”. 

The AFL872 is designed for CMOS sensors up to 1/3” format and up to 3 megapixel resolution.  The lens has a full field of view of 62º with an F/2.8 aperture.  The unique Liquid Autofocus enables a more compact alternative to traditional autofocus technologies.  It also frees the AFL872 of fixed-focus constraints such as depth of field limitations.  Threaded for M8x0.35, the AFL872 will fit standard sensor boards, or can be modified to meet your mounting requirements.

Sunex digital imaging lenses are compact and designed to meet the demanding requirements of multi-megapixel sensors.  With small form-factors, high resolution and low distortion, these lenses are ideally suited to mobile imaging devices, webcams, video conferencing and any application requiring high performance in a small package.  Please call with your custom housing or coating requirement. 

Samples of standard lenses are available for purchase on Sunex’s website www.optics-online.com.  Please inquire if you need a variation on an existing design such as a custom coating or housing.  Sunex specializes in custom lens solutions designed for your application.  Sunex’s support is comprehensive, from design to prototype to high volume production. 

Contact a Sunex Optical Sales Engineer at 760.602.0988 or visit us online www.optics-online.com to learn more about our product or visit http://www.varioptic.com to learn more about Electrowetting and Liquid Autofocus technology. 

About Sunex

Sunex Inc. is a leader in providing innovative and cost-effective optical solutions to the digital imaging industry. The company’s products include digital imaging lenses and lens modules, off-the-shelf optical elements and custom optical solutions. Sunex Inc. has also developed patented optical technologies that can optimize the performance of today’s digital imaging sensors.  

About Varioptic:

Varioptic S.A, venture-backed by Sofinnova Partners, PolyTechnos Ventures and NIF Partners was founded in 2002. Located in Lyon, France, the company is the world leader in liquid lens technology by pioneering the development of Electrowetting Technology to create revolutionary auto focus and zoom lenses with absolutely no moving parts.  These products feature several crucial advantages over traditional technologies in terms of cost, dimensions, power consumption and speed.  Varioptic is led by CEO Etienne Paillard, and founder/inventor and CTO Bruno Berge.