A new planar lens design for non-focus camera

Researchers have been able to create a new camera without using a very thin single-lens focus. This technology has a big advantage over traditional cameras, just like the cameras used in smartphones today. One important benefit is that current cameras require multiple lenses to form high-quality focused images.

Researchers at the University of Utah say flat-panel lenses can dramatically reduce the weight, complexity and cost of cameras and other imaging systems. At the same time, the new flat lens also adds functionality to the camera. The research team says their optical technology could lead to thinner smartphone cameras, improved and smaller biomedical imaging cameras, and more compact car cameras.

A flat lens can maintain focus on objects about six meters away from each other. The lens itself uses nanostructured patterns in the plane, rather than heavy glass or plastic, to achieve the optical properties needed to control the light propagation mode, just like traditional lenses. Scientists believe the new flat lens could have many applications beyond photography, including efficient lighting for lidar, which is crucial for autonomous vehicles.

In order for a conventional lens to focus light, it converts parallel light waves into spherical waves and brings them into focus, the researchers said. An important breakthrough with flat lenses was the recognition that other shapes of waves can produce similar effects. The scientists then chose the best lens design for deep focus and used nano-fabrication techniques to create their prototype lens.

Demonstrate that the new lens uses infrared light and a relatively low numerical aperture. In the future, the team plans to expand the lens to larger apertures and use it for the visible spectrum. The group says it also needs to ensure lenses can be mass-produced before they are commercialized.