Cluster Eye Camera
The downsizing of conventional single lens arrays onto the micro level quickly reaches its physical limitations. A proper miniaturization, therefore, needs new imaging methods. This project focuses on the development of a so-called cluster-eye camera, a setup inspired by the visual system of insects. In contrast to classic single-channel lenses, the ‘cluster eyes’ consist of many channels, aligned side by side, each of which consisting of several lenses and apertures.
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Thin Film Filters
Actively tunable optical components are essential for micro-optical devices. This project encompasses the design, the manufacturing and the characterization of active super-prism structures for focal length tuning. Chief goal is the realization of micro-optical components that allow quick and easy focal length tuning in the range of 100 μs
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Dynamic Micro-iris
This project works on the development of dynamic apertures. In the second phase of the Priority Program, these apertures, or micro irises, will be integrated into the final technical ‘micro-eye’.
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Elastomer Optics
This project investigates new types of tunable optical components that are based on structured elastomers. These can be lens systems featuring a dynamically adaptive focal length, or tunable Bragg components.
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Slide Focus System
This project works on the development of an adaptive membrane lens system made of silicone (PDMS), which operates in a focal range of 10-1000 mm. The aperture of these lenses is 2 – 10 mm wide, and the piezo-electric pump actuator is integrated into the system.
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Micro Lenses
This project investigates the applicability of new material compounds for advanced micro-optics and simultaneously evaluates novel methods for the tuning of micro-optic components.
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Nano-optical Structures
This project investigates nano-optical structures, such as photonic crystals or sub-wavelength gratings. Ideally, they should be designed to optimize the features of optical filters to the effect that they can be tailored toward each individual application.
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Optofluidic Microsystem
This project works on the development of a novel concept for tunable micro-optic systems that are based on fluidic principles.
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Polarization
This project investigates novel active micro-optical components for the spatially resolved tuning of the polarization of incident light. Core of these components is an optically active material (e.g. a polymer) in the red spectral range, which is activated by a highly compact lighting module.
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