A Bio-Inspired Polymeric Gradient Refractive Index (GRIN) Human Eye Lens

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA570353 | Open PDF

Abstract:

A synthetic polymeric lens was designed and fabricated based on a bio-inspired, Age5 human eye lens design by utilizing a nanolayered polymer film-based technique. The internal refractive index distribution of an anterior and posterior GRIN lens were characterized and confirmed against design by microATR-FTIR. 3D surface topography of the fabricated aspheric anterior and posterior lenses was measured by placido-cone topography and exhibited confirmation of the desired aspheric surface shape. Furthermore, the wavefronts of aspheric posterior GRIN and PMMA lenses were measured and simulated by interferometry and Zemax software, respectively. Their results show that the gradient index distribution reduces the overall wavefront error as compared a homogenous PMMA lens of an identical geometry. Finally, the anterior and posterior GRIN lenses were assembled into a bio-inspired GRIN human eye lens through which a clear imaging was possible.

Author(s):
Ji, Shanzuo ; Ponting, Michael ; Lepkowicz, Richard S. ; Rosenberg, Armand ; Flynn, Richard ; Beadie, Guy ; Baer, Eric
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC
Descriptive Note:
Journal article
Supplementary Note:
Published in Optics Express, v20 n24, 19 Nov 2012. Sponsored in part by NSF. The original document contains color images.
Pagination:
0010

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Contract/Grant Number(s):
HR0011-10-C-0110, DMR-0423914
Monitor Series:
DARPA
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Sensors
Descriptor(s):
*LENS(EYE), *POLYMERIC FILMS, *REFRACTIVE INDEX, POLYNOMIALS, SHAPE, WAVEFRONTS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Anatomy and Physiology, Plastics, Optics
Keyword(s):
BIOLOGICALLY INSPIRED, GRIN(GRADIENT REFRACTIVE INDEX), HUMAN EYE LENSES, WAVEFRONT ERRORS, GRADIENT INDEX LENSES, ASPHERICS
Report Date:
2012 Nov 19
Creation Date:
2013 Mar 20