Miniature optoelectronic compound eye camera

Inspired by insect compound eyes (CEs) that feature unique optical schemes for imaging, there has recently been growing interest in developing optoelectronic CE cameras with comparable size and functions. However, considering the mismatch between the complex 3D configuration of CEs and the planar nature of available imaging sensors, it is currently challenging to reach this end. Here, we report a paradigm in miniature optoelectronic integrated CE camera by manufacturing polymer CEs with 19 similar to 160 logarithmic profile ommatidia via femtosecond laser two-photon polymerization. In contrast to mu CEs with spherical ommatidia that suffer from defocusing problems, the asobtained mu-CEs with logarithmic ommatidia permit direct integration with a commercial CMOS detector, because the depth-of-field and focus range of all the logarithmic ommatidia are significantly increased. The optoelectronic integrated mu-CE camera enables large field-of-view imaging (90 degrees), spatial position identification and sensitive trajectory monitoring of moving targets. Moreover, the miniature mu-CE camera can be integrated with a microfluidic chip and serves as an on-chip camera for real-time microorganisms monitoring. The insect-scale optoelectronic mu-CE camera provides a practical route for integrating well-developed planar imaging sensors with complexmicro-optics elements, holding great promise for cutting-edge applications in endoscopy and robot vision.

Automated summary

Researchers have demonstrated the potential of a miniature optoelectronic integrated compound eye camera by manufacturing polymer compound eyes with logarithmic profile ommatidia, which enables large field-of-view imaging, spatial position identification, and sensitive trajectory monitoring of moving targets. This insect-scale camera holds great promise for cutting-edge applications in endoscopy and robot vision by integrating well-developed planar imaging sensors with complex micro-optics elements.