MEMS Seminar: Bio-Inspired Micro-Optical Imaging for Biomedical Applications

Optical detection and imaging have wide applications. With continuing miniaturization effort to realize integrated microsystems, micro-scale optical components become more and more important. On the other hand, natural visualization systems provide many intriguing optical designs and unique properties, which serve a great source of inspiration for micro-optical devices and systems. In this talk, I will present our work on bio-inspired micro-scale components and resultant imaging systems. I will first introduce a few types of microlenses and microlens arrays, including tunable liquid microlenses actuated by temperature-, pH- and infrared light-responsive hydrogels, and through electrowetting and dielectric force. I will also discuss about artificial compound eyes mimicking reflecting superposition compound eyes found in some decapods, as well as all-optical photosensitivity enhancer inspired by the retina of elephant nose fish. I will show a few examples of microcameras integrating these optical devices. My talk will also include a few examples of biomedical applications, including endoscopes, laparoscopes, remote axial focusing for 3D microscopy, and accommodative contact lens for presbyopia correction. Lunch will be served from 1-1:30 pm. For additional information visit:https://mems.duke.edu/about/events/seminars