A lens array is a collection of lenses arranged in a specific pattern or grid. It is an important component of light field cameras and some types of light field displays.
A lens array is a microlens array if its lenses are less than 1 millimeter wide.
Lens arrays can be found in infra-red motion detectors.[1]
Optics
Each lens in the array has its own optical axis. However, when the array is viewed as a cohesive unit, the lenses form a shared main optical axis.[2]
The side with the roundings should generally face towards the source of the light. In a display, this means that the user's eye faces the flat side of the array.
Manufacturing
Lens arrays can be injection molded.
Materials
- Glass
- PMMA
- Fused silica[3]
Uses
A lens array can be found in a light field camera.[4]
To make a plenoptic lens based display, each lens should be at the minimum 200 pixels wide and 200 pixels long.
Novel
It is possible to make a microlens array using fresnel lenses.[5]
It is theoretically possible to make a liquid lens array.
It is theoretically possible to make a lens array that has a general curve to it, like on a semisphere.
A lens array can potentially be made out of a holographic optical element.
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/embed/HroJyGDoXI8?t=23
- ↑ "Microstructure Lens Arrays". https://www.laserfocusworld.com/directory/finished-optics-coatings-components/lens-arrays/product/14303094/avantier-inc-microstructure-lens-arrays.
- ↑ "Fused Silica Microlens Arrays". https://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2861.
- ↑ "Lytro Specifications: A Deeper Look Inside". http://lightfield-forum.com/2012/11/lytro-specifications-a-deeper-look-inside/.
- ↑ https://holographix.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/MLA-Circles-Microlens-Arrays-2-e1548578651299.jpg
