Slow slide servo turning of compound eye lens

Abstract

Compound eye lens (CEL) is expected to be applied in high-speed object tracking and depth perception. However, it is difficult to fabricate CEL due to the complex shape and structure. We study its mathematic and optical model. Based on the established model, a grid machining method is proposed for the fabrication of a CEL mold. To avoid the shape distortion caused by tool un-alignment, the off-centering machining configuration is proposed, which is also proved to improve the form accuracy. CEL is machined finally by molding technologies using the fabricated mold to avoid the tool interference. Experiments have been implemented to verify the design and fabrication method. The shape accuracy evaluation and optical testing are conducted to prove that the proposed method can be applied well for the machining of CEL.