We experimentally demonstrate imaging in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral band (8 μm to 12 μm) using a single polymer flat lens based upon multilevel diffractive optics. The device thickness is only 10 μm, and chromatic aberrations are corrected over the entire LWIR band with one surface. Due to the drastic reduction in device thickness, we are able to utilize polymers with absorption in the LWIR, allowing for inexpensive manufacturing via imprint lithography. The weight of our lens is less than 100 times those of comparable refractive lenses. We fabricated and characterized 2 different flat lenses. Even with about 25% absorption losses, experiments show that our flat polymer lenses obtain good imaging with field of view of 35° and angular resolution less than 0.013°. The flat lenses were characterized with 2 different commercial LWIR image sensors. Finally, we show that, by using lossless, higher-refractive-index materials like silicon, focusing efficiencies in excess of 70% can be achieved over the entire LWIR band. Our results firmly establish the potential for lightweight, ultrathin, broadband lenses for high-quality imaging in the LWIR band.
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Ball Lens‐Assisted Cellphone Imaging with Submicron Resolution
One of the most significant developments in life sciences—the discovery of bacteria and protists—was accomplished by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek in the 17thcentury using a single ball lens microscope. It is shown that the full potential of single lens designs can be realized in a contact mode of imaging by ball lenses with a refractive index of
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10441566
- Publisher / Repository:
- Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Laser & Photonics Reviews
- Volume:
- 17
- Issue:
- 9
- ISSN:
- 1863-8880
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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