Spiral-shaped lens mimics progressives with clarity across different distances, lighting
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Key takeaways:
- The multifocal spiral lens preserved multifocal behavior at smaller apertures than a conventional trifocal lens.
- The lens’ design causes light to spin, which creates multiple clear focus points.
A team of researchers in France has developed a freeform, spiral-shaped lens designed to maintain clear focus at different distances and under varying light conditions, according to a research article published in Optica.
“Unlike existing multifocal lenses, our lens performs well under a wide range of light conditions and maintains multifocality, regardless of the size of the pupil,” Bertrand Simon, PhD, study author and associate professor at Institut d’Optique Graduate School in France, said in a related press release.
The researchers call the lens the “spiral diopter,” and its design creates multiple points of focus via an optical vortex, which causes light to spin. According to the release, the lens works similarly to progressive lenses, but without the distortions commonly seen.
“Creating an optical vortex usually requires multiple optical components,” lead study author Laurent Galinier, from Spiral SAS, said in the release. “Our lens, however, incorporates the elements necessary to make an optical vortex directly into its surface. Creating optical vortices is a thriving field of research, but our method simplifies the process, marking a significant advancement in the field of optics.”
The researchers used advanced digital machining to create the spiral design on a 10 mm diameter contact lens, which was then validated by using it to view a digital “E” at various aperture sizes. According to the release, the image quality “remained satisfactory,” no matter the aperture size. Compared with a conventional trifocal lens, the multifocal spiral lens achieved similar performance but was able to preserve multifocal behavior at smaller apertures.
“This new lens could significantly improve people’s depth of vision under changing lighting conditions,” Simon said in the release. “Future developments with this technology might also lead to advancements in compact imaging technologies, wearable devices and remote sensing systems for drones or self-driving cars, which could make them more reliable and efficient.”
Reference:
- Spiral-shaped lens provides clear vision at a range of distances and lighting conditions. https://www.optica.org/about/newsroom/news_releases/2024/february/spiral-shaped_lens_provides_clear_vision_at_a_range_of_distances_and_lighting_conditions/. Published Feb. 8, 2024. Accessed Feb. 12, 2024.
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