Open AccessThin wafer-level camera lenses inspired by insect compound eyes
Author(s) -
Andreas Brückner,
Jacques Duparré,
Robert Leitel,
Peter Dannberg,
Andreas Bräuer,
Andreas Tünnermann
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.18.024379
Subject(s) - optics , microlens , wafer , distortion (music) , video graphics array , pixel , photolithography , image stitching , compound eye , image sensor , fabrication , image processing , computer science , image resolution , materials science , physics , software , optoelectronics , lens (geology) , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics) , medicine , amplifier , programming language , alternative medicine , cmos , pathology
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.