Thin wafer-level camera lenses inspired by insect compound eyes

We propose a microoptical approach to ultra-compact optics for real-time vision systems that are inspired by the compound eyes of insects. The demonstrated module achieves approx. VGA resolution with a total track length of 1.4 mm which is about two times shorter than comparable single-aperture opti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Optics express 2010-11, Vol.18 (24), p.24379-24394
Main Authors: Brückner, Andreas, Duparré, Jacques, Leitel, Robert, Dannberg, Peter, Bräuer, Andreas, Tünnermann, Andreas
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Compound Eye, Arthropod - anatomy & histology
Computer Simulation
Electronics
Image Enhancement
Lenses
Photography - instrumentation
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Summary:We propose a microoptical approach to ultra-compact optics for real-time vision systems that are inspired by the compound eyes of insects. The demonstrated module achieves approx. VGA resolution with a total track length of 1.4 mm which is about two times shorter than comparable single-aperture optics on images sensors of the same pixel pitch. The partial images that are separately recorded in different optical channels are stitched together to form a final image of the whole field of view by means of image processing. A software correction is applied to each partial image so that the final image is made free of distortion. The microlens arrays are realized by state of the art microoptical fabrication techniques on wafer-level which are suitable for a potential application in high volume e.g. for consumer electronic products.
ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/OE.18.024379