Varioptic has signed a licensing agreement with STMicroelectronics, a producer of CMOS imaging technology, for the use of its liquid lenses in ST’s products.
Under the terms of the agreement, STMicroelectronics will use Varioptic’s liquid lens technology to add auto-focus capability to a family of camera modules targeting the booming camera phone market. Additionally, ST will also be able to manufacture liquid lenses in its own facilities.
Varioptic’s liquid lens products include the current Arctic series (Arctic 320 and 416) as well as new thinner versions to be launched in the coming months.
Eric Aussedat, general manager of ST’s Imaging Division, commented: ‘Our customers are now looking for high-resolution miniature camera modules that enable a true digital camera experience, but do not suffer from the drawbacks of complex moving optics, such as reliability hazards, high power consumption, noise and cost.’
