Compact zooming optical systems for panoramic and telescopic applications based on curved image sensor

Abstract

Biological eyes in nature have strongly inspired novel optical systems. In this regard, imaging systems mimicking fish eyes and human eyes have been reported for having a wide field-of-view (FoV) and relatively higher magnification properties, respectively. However, most of these systems have complex lens configurations because of their flat image sensors. As these optical systems are bulky, heavy, and expensive, they have limited application in small devices (e.g., drones and mobile phones). In addition to a simplistic design, multi-functionality is essential for broad applications. Therefore, this study proposes a compact zooming optical system (CZOS) that combines the properties of natural vision systems (i.e., human and fish eyes) using a curved focal plane. The CZOS controls the zoom range through the modification of the distances between the single front lens (i.e., negative meniscus) and dual rear lens (i.e., bi-convex/ positive meniscus lenses) groups. In the proposed system, the panoramic mode had an FoV of 200 deg and a magnification of 0.23, whereas the conversion of the system to the high magnification mode increased the magnification over two times with an FoV of 70 deg. These promising results demonstrate that the proposed simple imaging system is applicable to small-scale electronics. © The Authors. Published by SPIE under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Distribution or reproduction of this work in whole or in part requires full attribution of the original publication, including its DOI.

Flexible and Stretchable Light-Emitting Diodes and Photodetectors for Human-Centric Optoelectronics

“…This transition necessitates the advanced artificial vision system that has lightweight, small form factor, low energy consumption, and functionalized features (e.g., panoramic vision, object tracking, and high contrast imaging). Regardless of the mature technologies in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, conventional cameras suffer from drawbacks in optical and physical properties due to their planar sensor plane. , Since the lens naturally focuses on the curved image plane, called the Petzval surface, the use of planar image sensors inevitabily results in bulky and complex lens design for compensating a disparity between focal image and sensor plane . Meanwhile, biological eyes have evolved to have a compact and simplified lens configuration attributed by a curved retina or array of individual optical units. − Therefore, the natural ocular structure implies that a curved form of the PD array can be a way to realize simple but high-quality artificial vision systems, bringing a need of flexible and stretchable image sensors. ,− …”

“…Regardless of the mature technologies in complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, conventional cameras suffer from drawbacks in optical and physical properties due to their planar sensor plane. 817,818 Since the lens naturally focuses on the curved image plane, called the Petzval surface, the use of planar image sensors inevitabily results in bulky and complex lens design for compensating a disparity between focal image and sensor plane. 819 Meanwhile, biological eyes have evolved to have a compact and simplified lens configuration attributed by a curved retina or array of individual optical units.…”