At the University of Freiburg in Germany, researchers have developed a miniaturized imaging system inspired by the simple mechanical system of the human eye
For hundreds of years, optical systems, such as telescopes and microscopes, were based on rigid lenses with drive mechanisms for focusing, and on mechanical apertures for regulating the amount of light. Many researchers are looking for new ways to create miniaturized imaging systems, capable of focusing and regulating light.
At the University of Freiburg in Germany, researchers have developed a miniaturized imaging system inspired by the simple mechanical system of the human eye.
In the brain and the human eye, image processing is complex, while the mechanical component for receiving the image is relatively simple. The reception of the image in the human eye occurs thanks to a muscle, which changes the structure of the lens for the purpose of changing the focus (the distance between the lens and the point where the light rays meet) and thanks to the iris, which opens and closes to control the amount of signal passing through the lens.
More of the topic in Hayadan:
Engineers are trying to make imaging systems smaller and better, but miniaturized imaging systems are complex and expensive. In this case the researchers, instead of using complex mechanisms that require moving parts for focusing and regulating light, imitated the human eye.
The researchers developed an innovative imaging system that enables the focusing and regulation of light. The system is based on the use of a forged lens with the ability to change focus, in combination with a liquid component that allows the regulation of the amount of light absorbed, similar to the role of the iris in the eye.
In the new device, the researchers used two imaging systems. They created a silicon lens, surrounded by several miniaturized motors, which change the focus by changing the structure of the lens and the angle of the lens. In this way, the lens can be stretched and contracted like an eye. At the front of the eye, they added an iris-like system, which contains two liquids near a flat container. One liquid is opaque and is oil-based, and in the center is a transparent liquid that is water-based - and thus the two liquids remain separated. Both liquids have exactly the same density, to prevent displacements during shaking.
When an electrical voltage is passed through the system, the fluids change some of their properties. They expand or contract in space, thereby imitating the action of the aperture of the iris of the eye.
At this stage of the research, the size of the device is measured in a few centimeters. The goal of the researchers is to add additional functions before turning to further miniaturization.
The technology may be used for microscopic systems in medicine and research, such as early diagnosis of skin cancer or infectious processes in food.
