SoylentNews is people
SoylentNews
Producing the perfect color images we need and love often requires multiple, heavy lenses so that each color focuses in exactly the same plane. Now Penn State engineers have developed a new theory that solves the problem using a single thin lens composed of gradient index materials and metasurface layers to properly direct the light.
"If we want high performance optical systems, then we have to overcome material dispersion," said Sawyer D. Campbell, assistant research professor in electrical engineering. "If we don't, we get smeary colors, which significantly degrades image quality."
Single apochromatic lenses -- ones that properly focus the three colors red, blue and green -- that have less curvature and are thinner and lighter could improve cell phone cameras and allow manufacture of thinner cell phones. They also could make lighter, better body cameras, helmet cameras, sniper scopes, thermal imaging devices and unmanned aerial vehicles or drones. In essence, anything that uses lenses to image could be made simpler and lighter.
J. Nagar, S. D. Campbell, D. H. Werner. Apochromatic singlets enabled by metasurface-augmented GRIN lenses. Optica, 2018; 5 (2): 99 DOI: 10.1364/OPTICA.5.000099
(Score: 4, Interesting) by SpockLogic on Monday February 12 2018, @02:03PM (2 children)
Fast and ultra light telephoto camera lens would be major development.
The full range should be available shortly after I shuffle of this mortal coil.
Overreacting is one thing, sticking your head up your ass hoping the problem goes away is another - edIII
(Score: 1, Interesting) by Anonymous Coward on Monday February 12 2018, @05:47PM
I was thinking that this will revolutionize the design of telescopes. Exciting times!
(Score: 2) by Joe Desertrat on Monday February 12 2018, @10:53PM
Sigma currently markets a fast 200-500 zoom lens for only about $26,000, for I believe a Canon mount. Sure would be nice to see similar lens as common and as inexpensive as some of their 18-70 or 18-250 lens for all major mounts.