Superposition Compound Eyes

DOI: 10.1002/smll.201400037 In nature, refl ecting superposition compound eyes (RSCEs) found in shrimps, lobsters and some other decapods are extraordinary imaging systems with numerous optical features such as minimum chromatic aberration, wide-angle fi eld of view (FOV), high sensitivity to light and superb acuity to motion. Here, we present lifesized, large-FOV, wide-spectrum artifi cial RSCEs as optical imaging devices inspired by the unique designs of their natural counterparts. Our devices can form real, clear images based on refl ection rather than refraction, hence avoiding chromatic aberration due to dispersion by the optical materials. Compared to imaging at visible wavelengths using conventional refractive lenses of comparable size, our artifi cial RSCEs demonstrate minimum chromatic aberration, exceptional FOV up to 165° without distortion, modest aberrations and comparable imaging quality without any post-image processing. Together with an augmenting cruciform pattern surrounding each focused image, our large-FOV, wide-spectrum artifi cial RSCEs possess enhanced motion-tracking capability ideal for diverse applications in military, security, medical imaging and astronomy. Refl ecting Superposition Compound Eyes