Open AccessDesign of a digitally switchable multifocal microlens array for integral imaging systems
Author(s) -
Xuan Wang,
Hong Hua
Publication year - 2021
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.439989
Subject(s) - microlens , integral imaging , focal length , optics , depth of field , spatial light modulator , focal point , interferometry , digital micromirror device , computer science , image resolution , cardinal point , materials science , physics , lens (geology) , artificial intelligence , image (mathematics)
This paper presents the optical design of a digitally switchable multi-focal microlens array which can be used to extend the depth of field in integral imaging systems. The proposed switchable multi-focal microlens array consists of a customized freeform multi-focal microlens array (MLA) and a programmable spatial light modulator. By switching among the different optical powers of the switchable multi-focal MLA, an integral imaging system can render or capture a 3D scene at a large depth range around several central depth planes. We demonstrate the design considerations for a dual-focal microlens array with a primary and secondary focal lengths of 4mm and 4.06mm, respectively. We further validated the design by providing both interferometric measurements of the surface profiles and image contrast and resolution tests of a manufactured MLA prototype.