Deep learning enhanced achromatic imaging with a singlet flat lens

Correction of chromatic aberration is an important issue in color imaging and display. However, realizing broadband achromatic imaging by a singlet lens with high comprehensive performance still remains challenging, though many achromatic flat lenses have been reported recently. Here, we propose a deep-learning-enhanced singlet planar imaging system, implemented by a 3 mm-diameter achromatic flat lens, to achieve relatively high-quality achromatic imaging in the visible. By utilizing a multi-scale convolutional neural network (CNN) imposed to an achromatic multi-level diffractive lens (AMDL), the white light imaging qualities are significantly improved in both indoor and outdoor scenarios. Our experiments are fulfilled via a large paired imaging dataset with respect to a 3 mm-diameter AMDL, which guaranteed with achromatism in a broad wavelength range (400-1100 nm) but a relative low efficiency (-45%). After our CNN enhancement, the imaging qualities are improved by -2 dB, showing competitive achromatic and high-quality imaging with a singlet lens for practical applications.(c) 2023 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Automated summary

Correction of chromatic aberration is crucial in color imaging and display. This study proposes a deep-learning-enhanced singlet planar imaging system using an achromatic flat lens, achieving high-quality achromatic imaging in the visible spectrum.