Compression characteristics of Sylgard® 184 in relation to its application as a tunable lens

Abstract

As a tunable lens, Sylgard® 184, a polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, it is essential to study its compressive properties. This paper evaluates the material's compressive modulus and stress distribution and determines the useful range of application of Sylgard® 184 as a tunable lens. It was shown that the compressive modulus of the material increases as the strain increases for strain greater than 30%. Also, remanent strain was observed starting at 30% strain using photoelastic technique. Anomalous necking was also observed during decompression.