Self-Assembled Asymmetric Microlenses for Four-Dimensional Visual Imaging

Abstract

Visual imaging that can extract three-dimensional (3D) space or polarization information on the target is essential in broad sciences and technologies. The simultaneous acquisition of them usually demands expensive equipment and sophisticated operations. Therefore, it is of great significance to exploit convenient approaches for four-dimensional (3D and polarization) visual imaging. Here, we present an efficient solution based on self-assembled asymmetric liquid crystal microlenses, with freely manipulated phase profiles and symmetry-breaking properties. Accordingly, characteristics of multifocal functionality and polarization selectivity are exhibited, along with the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, with a specific sample featured by radially increased unit sizes and azimuthally varied domain orientations, the discriminability of four-dimensional information is extracted in a single snapshot, via referring to the coordinates of the clearest images. Demultiplexing of depth/polarization information is also demonstrated. This work will unlock a variety of revolutionary apparatuses and lighten extensive applications.

Strain‐Multiplex Metalens Array for Tunable Focusing and Imaging

“…[ 42,43 ] Furthermore, polarization‐dependent hotspots are of interest in different applications including bio‐sensing, precise light manipulation and a simplified route for polarization imaging. [ 44,45 ] The metalenses with birefringent meta‐atoms showed polarization‐controlled multifunctional properties and broadband achromatic focusing. [ 46 ] This polarization‐multiplexing capability enabled broad phase dispersion coverage and will be suitable for a large‐scale and high performances metadevices.…”

“…The performance parameters of FDMLs show dependence on applied strain factor, S due to lens structural parameters (diameter, height) and their aspect ratio, which were also previously reported. [ 36,44,48 ]…”

3D‐Printed Biomimetic Systems with Synergetic Color and Shape Responses Based on Oblate Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Droplets

“…In addition, the development of synergetic color and shape responses mimicking the natural behavior is of great value for the design of novel functional materials and intelligent devices. [ 35–43 ]…”

Design, Fabrication, and Applications of Liquid Crystal Microlenses

“…Indeed, as a promising candidate for LCMs, SmLC has attracted considerable attention in LCMs design recently due to some fantastic properties, such as self‐assembly and capacity to produce LCMAs. [ 72 ] In principle, LC molecules tend to be locally ordered in the ideal case. [ 73 ] However, the LC molecules are easily influenced by the formation of crystals, the thermal motion of atoms, and deformations, which disrupt the arrangement of LC molecules.…”