We propose a new imaging device for the long infrared spectral range, inspired by the natural eye of a lobster. Such a lobster-eye lens is composed of reflecting channels with a square cross section capable of wide angle of view and practically omni-directional imaging. As in large-aperture lenses, aberrations can significantly degrade the image. We show two methods of reducing aberrations: by selecting proper material for the mirrors and by making channels with absorbing sections.

Date Published: 8 September 2006
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 6295, Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays VIII, 62950F (8 September 2006); doi: 10.1117/12.681282

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 6295:
Infrared Detectors and Focal Plane Arrays VIII
Eustace L. Dereniak; Robert E. Sampson, Editor(s)