Pixel Optics

Our group has pioneered micro-structured sheets that can perform very general light-ray-direction changes, but at the expense of introducing discontinuities into the phase front (see figure).  As much of standard ray optics is informed by theorems derived for globally continuous phase fronts, ray optics with discontinuous phase fronts is not limited by those theorems.  We explore the new possibilities, both theoretically and experimentally.

We are particularly interested in components that distort the view through them, ultimately intended for applications in spectacles.  This is a formidable optical-engineering challenge, but it has the potential to help hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

As a “fun” sideline, we construct, theoretically, transformation-optics devices from our components.  These include optical wormholes and invisibility cloaks that explore new strategies for hiding regions of space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selected publications