Created an artificial lens, almost identical to the biological
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Located opposite the pupil in the eyeball, the lens is an excellent biological lens. Scientists managed to create an almost exact artificial copy, which in the future can be used not only for the manufacture of eye lenses, but also for the production of excellent ground and air observation technologies.
This lens, consisting of thousands of nanosized polymer layers, was developed by the joint efforts of the Western Reserve University of Kesa, the Rose-Halman Institute of Technology, the US Marine Research Laboratory and PolymerPlus.
The basic technology behind the new lens is called GRIN (gradient refractive index optics). Passing through the GRIN lens, the light rays are refracted to varying degrees depending on the specific area through which they pass. The optical system of the human eye is in essence GRIN-lens, whereas the traditional artificial lenses refract light in one direction.
The team of scientists set a goal to create a lens that is as close to its human eye as possible. To do this, they had to apply one after another many layers of polymers with different refractive indices. This approach allowed to create a lens with increased mechanical strength, new reflective properties and increased optical power. "
"A copy of the human lens of the eye is the first step to creating biocompatible materials needed to improve the existing technology used to produce optical implants," said Michael Ponting, head of PolymerPlus.
The invention of Ponting and his colleagues also allows the creation of optical systems with fewer components, which is of great importance for the production of both consumer optical products and ground and airborne military surveillance systems.
Scientists are already working on adapting a new lens for commercial use.
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