Dragonfly‐Eye‐Inspired Artificial Compound Eyes with Sophisticated Imaging. (8th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deng, Zefang; Chen, Feng; Yang, Qing; Bian, Hao; Du, Guangqing; Yong, Jiale; Shan, Chao; Hou, Xun
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 26:Number 12(2016)
• Page Start: 1995
• Page End: 2001
• Publication Date: 2016-02-08
• Subjects: compound eyes -- femtosecond laser microfabrication -- optical materials -- optical structures; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201504941
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract : The natural compound eye is a striking imaging device with a wealth of fascinating optical features such as a wide field of view (FOV), low aberration, and high sensitivity. Dragonflies in particular possess large, sophisticated compound eyes that exhibit high resolving power and information‐processing capacity. Here, a large‐scale artificial compound eye inspired by the unique designs of natural counterparts is presented. The artificial compound eye is created by a high‐efficiency strategy that combines single‐pulse femtosecond laser wet etching with thermal embossing. These eyes have a macrobase diameter of 5 mm and ≈30 000 close‐packed ommatidia with an average diameter of 24.5 μm. Moreover, the optical properties of the artificial compound eyes are investigated; the results confirm that the eye demonstrates advanced imaging quality, an exceptionally wide FOV of up to 140°, and low aberration. Abstract : A large‐scale artificial compound eye, with a total of 30 000 ommatidia, is successfully fabricated by a high‐efficiency strategy that combines single‐pulse femtosecond laser wet etching with thermal embossing. The optical properties of the artificial compound eyes are investigated; the results confirm that the eye demonstrates comparable imaging quality, an exceptionally wide FOV of up to 140°, and low aberration.