High contrast electrochromic iris

We present a non-mechanical microiris based on two complementary electrochromic (EC) materials, namely viologens and phenozines, with an almost neutral spectral behavior. Measurements concerning the spectral light transmission, modulation transfer function, and response time validate that the optical performance of the EC-iris is comparable to that of a classical blade iris. The time constant is limited due to diffusive mass transport of the molecules, but can be reduced by a short voltage pulse. The current controlled transmission of the EC-material renders the individual control of each iris segment without crosstalk possible, allowing its usage as tunable spatial filter. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America