Broadband lightweight flat lenses for long-wave infrared imaging.

We experimentally demonstrate imaging in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral band (8 μm to 12 μm) using a single polymer flat lens based upon multilevel diffractive optics. The device thickness is only 10 μm, and chromatic aberrations are corrected over the entire LWIR band with one surface. Due to the drastic reduction in device thickness, we are able to utilize polymers with absorption in the LWIR, allowing for inexpensive manufacturing via imprint lithography. The weight of our lens is less than 100 times those of comparable refractive lenses. We fabricated and characterized 2 different flat lenses. Even with about 25% absorption losses, experiments show that our flat polymer lenses obtain good imaging with field of view of 35° and angular resolution less than 0.013°. The flat lenses were characterized with 2 different commercial LWIR image sensors. Finally, we show that, by using lossless, higher-refractive-index materials like silicon, focusing efficiencies in excess of 70% can be achieved over the entire LWIR band. Our results firmly establish the potential for lightweight, ultrathin, broadband lenses for high-quality imaging in the LWIR band.
Competing Interests: Competing interest statement: R.M. is cofounder of Oblate Optics, Inc., which is commercializing technology discussed in this manuscript. The University of Utah has filed for patent protection for technology discussed in this manuscript.
(Copyright © 2019 the Author(s). Published by PNAS.)