Ray-optical transformation optics with ideal thin lenses makes omnidirectional lenses

Courtial, J. , Tyc, T., Belin, J. , Oxburgh, S., Ferenczi, G., Cowie, E. and White, C. D. (2018) Ray-optical transformation optics with ideal thin lenses makes omnidirectional lenses. Optics Express, 26(14), pp. 17872-17888. (doi: 10.1364/OE.26.017872)

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Abstract

We present the theory of ray-optical transformation optics (RTO) with ideal thin lenses, and show that ideal-thin-lens RTO devices are omnidirectional lenses. Key to designing such devices are two theorems, the loop-imaging theorem and the edge-imaging theorem, which ensure that the interior physical space is distorted in the same way for all viewing directions. We discuss the possibility of realising such devices using lens holograms or Fresnel lenses, as both are in principle capable of changing the directions of rays incident from a specific point precisely like an ideal thin lens, thereby enabling macroscopic and broad-band RTO devices that work for at least one viewing position. Even when restricted in this way, our work opens up new possibilities in ray optics. Our devices have the potential to form the basis of new microscope objectives, virtual-reality headsets, and medical spectacles.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) (EP/K503058/1, EP/M010724/1); Grantová Agentura České Republiky (GAČR) (P201/12/G028).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:White, Dr Christopher and Courtial, Dr Johannes and Ferenczi, Dr Gergely and Cowie, Dr Euan and Belin, Mr Jakub and Oxburgh, Mr Stephen
Authors: Courtial, J., Tyc, T., Belin, J., Oxburgh, S., Ferenczi, G., Cowie, E., and White, C. D.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Optics Express
Publisher:Optical Society of America
ISSN:1094-4087
ISSN (Online):1094-4087
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Journal
First Published:First published in Optics Express 26(14):17872-17888
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
608951Engineering and Physical Sciences Doctoral Training Grant 2012-16Mary Beth KneafseyEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/K503058/1VPO VICE PRINCIPAL RESEARCH & ENTERPRISE
670991Telescope windows: low-vision scopes to cloaksJohannes CourtialEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/M010724/1S&E P&A - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY