2001Applied Physics LettersRequires access

Refraction contrast imaging with a scanning microlens

Daniel A. Fletcher, Kenneth B. Crozier, C. F. Quate, G. S. Kino, Kenneth E. Goodson, D. Simanovskii, Daniel Palanker

Open publisher page 12 citations

Abstract

We demonstrate subwavelength spatial resolution with a scanning microlens operating in collection mode with a large-area detector. Optical contrast is created by refraction of off-axis light rays at angles larger than the maximum collection angle. With a microfabricated silicon microlens 10 μm in diameter, we measure spatial resolution due to refraction contrast of λ/4.3 at a wavelength of λ=10.7 μm. A model based on ray tracing is developed to explain our result, and we show that lens diameter and index of refraction limit resolution for large emission and collection angles.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

We demonstrate subwavelength spatial resolution with a scanning microlens operating in collection mode with a large-area detector. Optical contrast is created by refraction of off-axis light rays at angles larger than the maximum collection angle. With a microfabricated silicon microlens 10 μm in diameter, we measure spatial resolution due to refraction contrast of λ/4.3 at a wavelength of λ=10.7 μm. A model based on ray tracing is developed to explain our result, and we show that lens diameter and index of refraction limit resolution for large emission and collection angles.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 12 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

We demonstrate subwavelength spatial resolution with a scanning microlens operating in collection mode with a large-area detector. Optical contrast is created by refraction of off-axis light rays at angles larger than the maximum collection angle. With a microfabricated silicon microlens 10 μm in diameter, we measure spatial resolution due to refraction contrast of λ/4.3 at a wavelength of λ=10.7 μm. A model based on ray tracing is developed to explain our result, and we show that lens diameter and index of refraction limit resolution for large emission and collection angles.

Key concepts: Optics, Microlens, Refraction, Image resolution, Phase-contrast imaging, Wavelength, Resolution (logic), Refractive index

Related papers

Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
Refraction contrast imaging with a scanning microlens — Research Paper | ScholarLens