Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF161-089

Description

ABSTRACT: The Air Force is seeking the development of flat lens technologies to reduce the space and weight of optical systems. To address this Air Force need, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel Wideband Aberration-Free Flat Lens (WAFFLE) technology based on metamaterials and plasmonic nano-antennas. The novel use and arrangement of the plasmonic nano-antennas allows for focusing without monochromatic and chromatic aberrations. The WAFFLE uses a monolayer metamaterial, which is ultrathin with <lamda/8 surface flatness, and is ultralight. Its achromatic behavior allows for focusing over a broad band of light without additional color correction features. Additionally, the WAFFLE is highly configurable to offer the desired lens properties. The simple WAFFLE design allows for cost-effective fabrication using advanced nanoimprint lithography. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate WAFFLE feasibility by designing, simulating, fabricating, and testing a prototype. In Phase II, POC plans to further develop a fully operational WAFFLE by refining and optimizing the design, developing the complete manufacturing process for mass production, and conducting thorough evaluation of aberrations in comparison to conventional lenses. By the completion of Phase II, we will have a mature working prototype that meets all Air Force requirements.; BENEFIT: POCs WAFFLE technology is an aberration-free, thin, and light lens technology to significantly shrink the size and decrease the weight over conventional lenses. The WAFFLE will be beneficial for military satellites, airplanes, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with limited space, payload, and required delta-v. Commercial applications are significant and include cameras, binoculars, lasers, telescopes, prescription glasses, telecommunication components, and optical implants.