Achromatic Performance Research Articles

Highly Efficient Broadband Achromatic Microlens Design Based on Low-Dispersion Materials

Metalenses with achromatic performance offer a new opportunity for high-quality imaging with an ultra-compact configuration; however, they suffer from complex fabrication processes and low focusing efficiency. In this study, we propose an efficient design method for achromatic microlenses on a wavelength scale using materials with low dispersion, an adequately designed convex surface, and a thickness profile distribution. By taking into account the absolute chromatic aberration, relative focal length shift (FLS), and numerical aperture (NA), microlens with a certain focal length can be realized through our realized map of geometric features. Accordingly, the designed achromatic microlenses with low-dispersion fused silica were fabricated using a focused ion beam, and precise surface profiles were obtained. The fabricated microlenses exhibited a high average focusing efficiency of 65% at visible wavelengths of 410–680 nm and excellent achromatic capability via white light imaging. Moreover, the design exhibited the advantages of being polarization-insensitive and near-diffraction-limited. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed achromatic microlens design approach, which expands the prospects of miniaturized optics such as virtual and augmented reality, ultracompact microscopes, and biological endoscopy.

Pitch‐Switchable Metalens Array for Wavefront Profiling at Multiwavelength

AbstractThe wavefront sensor is a crucial component in the adaptive optics system (AOS), responsible for detecting aberrated wavefronts. However, The Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor with single‐pitch microlens array is limited in its adaptability to different observing conditions, affecting wavefront reconstruction accuracy. And conventional microlens arrays are wavelength‐specific. Here, a polarization‐dependent pitch‐switchable metalens array based on non‐interleaved silicon metasurfaces is proposed, capable of working at multiple wavelengths. By controlling the incident and outgoing light polarization, three metalens arrays with customized pitches can be switched at will. Furthermore, achromatic performance is achieved in the 950 nm and 1030 nm wavelengths through structural dispersion engineering. Finally, wavefront detection experiments are finally conducted to demonstrate the phase reconstruction with variable spatial resolution. The metalens array with high flexibility in wavefront sensor can further enhance the adaptability of AOS and has great potential for applications in light‐field imaging, and machine vision, etc.

3D nanoprinting for fiber-integrated achromatic diffractive lens.

Achromatic performance is crucial for numerous multi-wavelength optical fiber applications, including endoscopic imaging and fiber sensing. This paper presents the design and nanoprinting of a fiber-integrated achromatic diffractive lens within the visible spectrum (450-650 nm). The 3D nanoprinting is achieved by a high-resolution direct laser writing technology, overcoming limitations in the optical performance caused by the lack of an arbitrary 3D structure writing capability and an insufficient feature resolution in the current manufacturing technology for visible light broadband achromatic diffractive lenses. A three-step optimization algorithm is proposed to effectively balance optical performance with writing difficulty. The characterization results demonstrate excellent achromatic focusing performance, paving the way towards the development of nanoprinted flat optical devices for applications such as optical fiber traps, miniature illumination systems, and integrated photonic chips.

High Efficiency Visible Achromatic Metalens Design via Deep Learning

AbstractMetalenses with both achromatic performance and high focusing efficiency are always challenging, especially in visible range. In this work, a deep learning model is developed to accelerate the design of achromatic metalenses based on the geometric phase theory. During the building process of the phase response library and selection of the nano‐structures, converted transmission coefficients including both phase and amplitude are considered in order to ensure the achromatic focusing, as well as a high focusing efficiency. To test the performance of the design developed from the deep learning model, numerical simulations are performed in the visible wavelengths from 428 to 652 nm, which show a focal length of 266 µm with the deviation under 5%, and the average focusing efficiency reaches 52%.

Three-dimensional gradient index microlens arrays for light-field and holographic imaging and displays.

The geometric, intensity, and chromatic distortions that are a result of the limitations of the material and processes used to fabricate micro-optical lens arrays (MLAs) degrade the performance of light-field systems. To address these limitations, inkjet print additive manufacturing is used to fabricate planar gradient index (GRIN) lenslet arrays, in which volumetric refractive index profiles are used to embed optical functions that would otherwise require multiple homogeneous index MLA surfaces. By tailoring the optical ink feedstock refractive index spectra, independent control over dispersion is achieved, and achromatic performance is made possible. Digital manufacturing is shown to be beneficial for optimizing individual micro-optical channels in arrays wherein the shape, size, aspect ratio, focal length, and optical axis orientation of the lenslets vary as a function of the position within the optical field. Print fabrication also allows opaque inter-lens baffling and aperture stops that reduce inter-channel cross talk, improve resolution, and enhance contrast. These benefits are demonstrated in a light-field display testbed.

Dispersion controlled nanocomposite gradient index lenses

The degrees of freedom afforded by nanocomposite materials and additive manufacturing allow for the precise control over the chromatic properties of gradient index (GRIN) optics. The ability to engineer nanocomposite optical materials using blends of three or more constituents makes it possible to independently specify the refractive index gradient and the dispersion of optical materials. The refractive index spectra of the primary nanocomposite feedstock are defined relative to one another using various concentrations of monomers and nanofillers. Inkjet deposition is then used to print-compose specific feedstock to form refractive index gradients with precise control over dispersion. Arrays of 4-mm-diameter spherical GRIN lenses were fabricated using different nanomaterial compositions. The ability to positively and negatively control dispersion and to obtain achromatic performance was demonstrated. Control over partial dispersion is also shown.

Tunable Polarization-Multiplexed Achromatic Dielectric Metalens.

Tunable metasurfaces provide a compact and efficient strategy for optical active wavefront shaping. Varifocal metalens is one of the most important applications. However, the existing tunable metalens rarely serves broadband wavelengths restricting their applications in broadband imaging and color display due to chromatic aberration. Herein, an electrically tunable polarization-multiplexed achromatic metalens integrated with twisted nematic liquid crystals (TNLCs) in the visible region is demonstrated. The phase profiles at different wavelengths under two orthogonal polarization channels are customized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm and matched with the dielectric metaunits database to achieve polarization-multiplexed achromatic performance. By combining the broadband linear polarization conversion ability of TNLC, the tunability of varifocal achromatic metalens is realized by applying different voltages. Further, the electrically tunable customized dispersion-manipulated metalens and switchable color metaholograms are demonstrated. The proposed devices will accelerate the application of metasurfaces in broadband zoom imaging, AR/VR displays and spectral detection.

Design, analysis and optimization of a waveguide-type near-eye display using a pin-mirror array and a concaved reflector

Waveguides have become one of the most promising optical combiners for see-through near-eye displays due to the thickness, weight, and transmittance. In this study, we propose a waveguide-type near-eye display using a pin-mirror array and a concaved reflector with a compact outlook, optimized image uniformity and stray light. Issues have been discussed in detail, which include field of view (FOV), eye-box, resolution, depth of field (DOF), display uniformity and stray light artifacts. It can be shown that the DOF can be extended (when compared with traditional waveguide-type near-eye displays) to alleviate the vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC) problem, and the uniformity & stray light can be improved with an optimal structure. Moreover, reflective surfaces have been introduced as the input and output coupling with a compact outlook, an easy-processing structure and the achromatic performance. A prototype based on the proposed method have been successfully developed, and virtual images with an extended DOF can be shown along with the real-world.

Multiwavelength achromatic super-resolution focusing via a metasurface-empowered controlled generation of focused cylindrically polarized vortex beams.

Non-invasive imaging beyond the diffraction limit and free from fluorescent labels in the visible is highly desired for microscopy. It remains a challenge to obtain such super-resolution focusing along with multiwavelength achromatic performance in the far field using an integratable and easily designed system. In this work, we demonstrate a straightforward metasurface-based method to realize multiwavelength achromatic generation and focusing of cylindrically polarized vortex beams (CPVBs). Attributed to the extra degrees of freedom of CPVBs and multi-section design, we have realized multiwavelength achromatic super-resolution focusing in the air with focal size tighter than that of normally used schemes like immersion metalenses or focused radially polarized beams. It is expected that this metasurface-empowered ultra-compact design will benefit potential applications which call for high resolution, like optical microscopy, laser processing, etc.

Generalized metric for broadband flat lens performance comparison

Abstract A plethora of metalenses and diffractive lenses (“flat lenses”) have been demonstrated over the years. Recently, attempts have been made to stretch their performance envelope, particularly in the direction of wide-band achromatic performance. While achromatic behavior has been demonstrated, showing an actual improvement in imaging performance relative to conventional (non-chromatically corrected) flat lenses has remained a major challenge. The reasons for this are use of inappropriate performance metrics, lack of comparison to a baseline conventional design, and lack of a performance metric that combines signal-to-noise ratio and resolution. An additional problem is that different published flat lens designs use different first order parameters, so they cannot be compared. In this work we present an overall performance metric that will allow comparison of different types of flat lenses, even if their first order optical parameters are not the same. We apply this metric to several published achromatic flat lens designs and compare them to the equivalent conventional flat lens, which we consider as the lower bound for achromatic flat lens performance. We found that the performance of the achromatic flat lenses studied does not surpass that of a conventional diffractive lens. Use of this metric paves the way for future developments in the field of achromatic flat lenses, which will display proven progress.

Design of a polarization insensitive achromatic metalens with a high NA and uniform focusing efficiency based on a double layer structure of silicon and germanium

A polarization insensitive achromatic metalens (PIAML) was designed to realize a high NA of 0.5 and uniform focusing efficiency in the visible range based on a double layer structure of silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge). Due to their high refractive indices as well as the opposite characteristics of group delay in the visible wavelength, the combination of Si and Ge can contribute to the high NA and achromatic performances. In addition, an isotropic cylindrical unit cell structure was applied to confirm polarization sensitivity. From the finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation results, it was confirmed that the designed PIAML shows good optical performance of both polarization insensitivity and achromatic performance with uniform focusing efficiency of 27% and high NA of 0.5 in the visible wavelength.

Monolithic topological honeycomb lens for achromatic focusing and imaging

Wavelength dispersion is a universal phenomenon in refractive optics that degrades optical performances. Current mitigation methods are being greatly challenged by the demanding requirements of miniaturization, low aberrations, high throughput, and accurate manufacture. Here, we propose an unconventional monolithic honeycomb-like lens concept with topological degrees of design freedom, capable of near diffraction-limited achromatic performance. To automate the design process, a methodological framework is presented that directly evolves the honeycomb lens from a flat window, instead of a knowledge-based starting geometry. The honeycomb lens performance at the full field of view is remarkably better than either traditional aspheric lenses or commercial cascaded lenses. It also overcomes limitations of flat metalenses, which have extremely small aperture sizes and suffer from multi-order aberrations. This topological honeycomb lens concept may pave the way to inexpensive and compact achromatic optics for focusing and imaging applications in consumer cameras, wearable optics, virtual reality, etc.

Broadband Achromatic Metasurfaces for Longwave Infrared Applications.

Longwave infrared (LWIR) optics are essential for several technologies, such as thermal imaging and wireless communication, but their development is hindered by their bulk and high fabrication costs. Metasurfaces have recently emerged as powerful platforms for LWIR integrated optics; however, conventional metasurfaces are highly chromatic, which adversely affects their performance in broadband applications. In this work, the chromatic dispersion properties of metasurfaces are analyzed via ray tracing, and a general method for correcting chromatic aberrations of metasurfaces is presented. By combining the dynamic and geometric phases, the desired group delay and phase profiles are imparted to the metasurfaces simultaneously, resulting in good achromatic performance. Two broadband achromatic metasurfaces based on all-germanium platforms are demonstrated in the LWIR: a broadband achromatic metalens with a numerical aperture of 0.32, an average intensity efficiency of 31%, and a Strehl ratio above 0.8 from 9.6 μm to 11.6 μm, and a broadband achromatic metasurface grating with a constant deflection angle of 30° from 9.6 μm to 11.6 μm. Compared with state-of-the-art chromatic-aberration-restricted LWIR metasurfaces, this work represents a substantial advance and brings the field a step closer to practical applications.

Holographic Super-Resolution Metalens for Achromatic Sub-Wavelength Focusing

Optical super-resolution diffractive metalenses have been promising candidates for realizing optical imaging and a microscope beyond the Abbe diffraction limit. An achromatic super-resolution metalens is particularly important for practical applications; however, it remains challenging to achieve high-numerical-aperture achromatic super-resolution metalens for subwavelength focusing. Herein, a holographic approach of realizing a multiwavelength achromatic subwavelength super-resolution focusing is proposed. Through wavefront engineering and holographic synthesis, a high-numerical-aperture achromatic super-resolution metalens is demonstrated for subwavelength super-resolution focusing at five different wavelengths of 520, 555, 632.8, 660, and 690 nm. Broadband achromatic performance is also expected. Generally, there is no theoretical limit on the number of achromatic wavelengths. The proposed method could be useful in super-resolution related applications, including imaging, microscopy, and data storage.

Super-resolution imaging with an achromatic multi-level diffractive microlens array.

Compound eyes found in insects provide intriguing sources of biological inspiration for miniaturized imaging systems. Inspired by such insect eye structures, we demonstrate an ultrathin arrayed camera enabled by a flat multi-level diffractive microlens array for super-resolution visible imaging. We experimentally demonstrate that the microlens array can achieve a large fill factor (hexagonal close packing with pitch=120µm), thickness of 2.6 µm, and diffraction-limited (Strehlratio=0.88) achromatic performance in the visible band (450 to 650 nm). We also demonstrate super-resolution imaging with resolution improvement of ∼1.4 times by computationally merging 1600 images in the array.

Optimized design, calibration, and validation of an achromatic snapshot full-Stokes imaging polarimeter.

An achromatic snapshot full-Stokes imaging polarimeter (ASSIP) that enables the acquisition of 2D-spatial full Stokes parameters from a single exposure is presented. It is based on the division-of-aperture polarimetry using an array of four-quadrant achromatic elliptical analyzers as polarization state analyzer (PSA). The optimization of PSA is addressed for achieving immunity of Gaussian and Poisson noises. An extended eigenvalue calibration method (ECM) is proposed to calibrate the system, which considers the imperfectness of retarder and polarizer samples and the intensity attenuation of polarizer sample. A compact prototype of ASSIP operating over the waveband of 450-650 nm and an optimized calibration setup are developed. The achromatic performance is evaluated at three bandwidths of 10, 25, and 200 nm, respectively. The results show that the prototype with an uncooled CMOS camera works well at each bandwidth. The instrument matrix determined at the narrower bandwidth is more applicable to the wider one. The uncertainties of the calibrated instrument matrices and reconstructed Stokes parameters are improved by using the extended EMC at each bandwidth. To speed up the acquisition of high-contrast images, wide bandwidth along with short exposure time is preferable. The snapshot capability was verified via capturing dynamic scenes.

Material selection for GRIN-based achromatic doublets.

We use first-order optical principles to examine the ability of gradient index (GRIN) lenses to correct chromatic aberrations. We consider radial GRIN lenses with flat surfaces, with a flat diffractive surface, and with curved surfaces. We model the GRIN material system as a locally varying, subwavelength blend of three materials. In this model, we demonstrate that the color-correcting properties of each lens type can be expressed solely in terms of the dispersion properties of the base materials. We find, at this level of approximation, that the material condition for a two-material GRIN achromat with curved surfaces is identical to that for a homogeneous doublet achromat comprised of the same two materials. For the more general case of three-material, ternary GRIN elements, we use the theory to develop a figure-of-merit-based optimization approach. This allows us to identify promising material combinations without first fabricating a GRIN element. The optimization approach can be applied to alternate GRIN geometries and arbitrary glass catalogs. We use our model to search a large, commercial glass catalog to identify the best achromatic glass combinations for the three different GRIN lenses described above. Significant numerical effort was required to identify which glass combinations performed best. Ternary glass combinations are necessary to achieve good achromatic performance for flat geometries. Diffraction combined with a graded-index enables improved color correction for the same optical power or nearly a factor of two increase in power for the same level of color correction. Glass pairs that perform well as an achromatic doublet also perform well chromatically when blended in a GRIN singlet.

Analysis on stability of polarization-transforming performance of fiber wave plate

Fiber wave plates are usually used for the transformation of polarization state in fiber sensing systems. Environment temperature and operating wavelength may influence the beat length of the birefringence fiber, inducing the instability of fiber wave plates on polarization transforming. As for the variable-spun fiber wave plate with different structure parameters (fiber length, spun rate profile and maximum spun rate), this paper firstly focuses on the influence of beat length on its equivalent phase retardation. Then considering the relation between beat length and temperature or operating wavelength, further discussions are made about its thermal stability and achromatic performance, and temperature ranges and the achromatic bandwidth are given for the qualified fiber wave plate. The results are of referential value to the design, fabrication and evaluation of the variable-spun fiber wave plate.

Electrically tunable fluidic lens imaging system for laparoscopic fluorescence-guided surgery.

The addition of fluorescence guidance in laparoscopic procedures has gained significant interest in recent years, particularly through the use of near infrared (NIR) markers. In this work we present a novel laparoscope camera coupler based on an electrically tunable fluidic lens that permits programmable focus control and has desirable achromatic performance from the visible to the NIR. Its use extends the lower working distance limit and improves detection sensitivity, important for work with molecularly targeted fluorescence markers. We demonstrate its superior optical performance in laparoscopic fluorescence-guided surgery. In vivo results using a tumor specific molecular probe and a nonspecific NIR dye are presented.

Composite dielectric metasurfaces for phase control of vector field.

We designed, fabricated, and characterized a dielectric metamaterial lens created by varying the density of subwavelength low refractive index nanoholes in a high refractive index substrate, resulting in a locally variable effective refraction index. It is shown that a constructed graded index lens can overcome diffraction effects even when the aperture/wavelength (D/λ) ratio is smaller than 40. In addition to the conventional design of a polarization insensitive lens, we also show that a polarization diversity lens (f(o)≠f(e)) can be realized by arranging nanoholes in patterns with variable density in different transverse directions. Such a anisotropic microlens demonstrates polarization dependent focal lengths of 32 and 22 μm for linearly x- and y-polarized light, respectively, operating at a wavelength of λ=1550 nm. We also show numerically and demonstrate experimentally achromatic performance of the devices operating in the wavelength range of 1500-1900 nm with full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the focal spots of about 4 μm.