Thermal lens in a liquid sample with focal length controllable by bulk temperature

Abstract

An experimental and numerical investigation of the applicability of the temperature-controlled focal length of a thermally induced lens is reported. The thermal lens is formed as a result of absorption of a heating laser beam. Numerical simulations and experimental results show that changing the bulk temperature of the material of the lensing element allows for the selection of its focal length. The range of focal length changes for an example lens is given.