Focuslinser

Focuslinser refers to a family of autofocus optical elements developed by the Swedish company OptoTech Systems AB in the early 2000s. The design is based on a proprietary combination of gradient-index materials and adaptive micro-actuators that allow the lens to adjust its focus position in less than 10 milliseconds. The name has since been adopted by several manufacturers as a trademark for high-speed, precision lenses used in photography, video production and scientific imaging.

The original concept was conceived by Dr. Erik Holm in 2001 when he was researching rapid focus adjustment for use in high-speed cinematography. OptoTech secured a patent in 2003 and released the first production version of the Focuslinser series in 2005, initially targeting DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. By 2008 the design had been licensed to a number of international optics firms, leading to widespread use in both consumer and professional imaging gear.

Technically, a Focuslinser employs an electrically controlled secondary lens element that shifts along the optical axis. The movement is guided by miniature piezoelectric actuators, which can be commanded to precise positions via a digital signal from the camera’s autofocus module. This configuration provides a very low focus lag and minimal vibration compared to conventional voice-coil driven systems.

Applications of Focuslinser technology include time-lapse photography, sports and wildlife videography, robotics vision systems, and adaptive microscopy. Because of its speed and reliability, the technology is also being explored for use in virtual and augmented reality displays, where rapid depth adjustment is essential.