A microscopic and very thin lens iris was created
German researchers have created a microscopic and very thin lens iris, much smaller than existing mechanical irises, a fact that paves the way for the construction of a new generation of microscopic cameras for ‘smart’ mobile phones and tablet computers.
The smart glass
The innovative iris, which is made from a new electrochromic material, the polymer PEDOT (also called “smart glass”), is electro‑chemical rather than mechanical like current ones, allowing a significant reduction in its size. Additionally, it has very low power consumption, making it ideal for a wide range of portable electronic devices with battery and camera.
The polymer was developed by researchers at Kaizerlaut University who used a material arranged in concentric successive rings, which transform from transparent to opaque when penetrated by low-power electric current (because it changes color under the influence of electricity, the material is called electrochromic). The micro‑film, only 55 micrometers (millionths of a meter) thick, operates with a current of only 1.5 volts, which does not even need to be continuous for the material to remain opaque, as it has «memory».
The mechanism
In the human eye the iris controls the diameter of the pupil and thus the amount of light that enters to the retinal lens. In cameras the role of the iris is essentially the same, controlling the opening of the aperture and thus the amount of light that reaches the sensors.
Traditionally, cameras use mechanically moving lens apertures, which adjust according to lighting conditions and the photographer's wishes. However, as cameras in mobile phones become more popular and lighter, it becomes increasingly difficult to shrink these mechanical parts, as they have approached the physical size limit. ’ this exactly the new discovery is important, which opens the way to electro-chemical lens apertures without mechanical parts. The discovery is published in the journal «Journal of Optics».
Source: tovima.gr
