Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A16-109

Description

Based on success in the Phase I development of achromatic lens technologies to reduce the space and weight of optical systems, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to continue the development of a Single Element Achromatic Lens (SEAL) technology. The SEAL comprises a monolayer dielectric nano-antenna array, which is thin (<1 micron) and light, and enables achromatic focusing characteristics over a broad band of light without additional color correction features. The SEAL is highly configurable for desired lens properties and cost-effective in production using advanced nanoimprint lithography. In Phase I, POC demonstrated the SEAL’s configurable nature through design and simulation with a large depth of focus (DOF) to achieve achromatic focusing. The Phase I prototype was successfully tested to provide wideband focusing in the visible band with a large DOF, field of view (15 deg), and a fast f-number (f/0.5). Based on the successful simulation and testing results, POC proposes in Phase II to improve and optimize the design of the SEAL prototypes with thorough simulations. The Phase II efforts will also focus on the development of a cost-effective nanofabrication process for mass production of large-aperture lenses as well as the characterization of focusing performance and imaging capability and quality.