Large-field-of-view wide-spectrum artificial reflecting superposition compound eyes

Small. 2014 Aug 13;10(15):3050-7. doi: 10.1002/smll.201400037. Epub 2014 Apr 25.

Abstract

In nature, reflecting superposition compound eyes (RSCEs) found in shrimps, lobsters and some other decapods are extraordinary imaging systems with numerous optical features such as minimum chromatic aberration, wide-angle field of view (FOV), high sensitivity to light and superb acuity to motion. Here, we present life-sized, large-FOV, wide-spectrum artificial RSCEs as optical imaging devices inspired by the unique designs of their natural counterparts. Our devices can form real, clear images based on reflection rather than refraction, hence avoiding chromatic aberration due to dispersion by the optical materials. Compared to imaging at visible wavelengths using conventional refractive lenses of comparable size, our artificial RSCEs demonstrate minimum chromatic aberration, exceptional FOV up to 165° without distortion, modest aberrations and comparable imaging quality without any post-image processing. Together with an augmenting cruciform pattern surrounding each focused image, our large-FOV, wide-spectrum artificial RSCEs possess enhanced motion-tracking capability ideal for diverse applications in military, security, medical imaging and astronomy.

Keywords: large field of view; minimum chromatic aberration; motion tracking; reflecting superposition compound eyes; wide spectrum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetics / instrumentation*
  • Compound Eye, Arthropod / physiology*
  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation*
  • Lenses*
  • Photometry / instrumentation*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity