Article
Optics
Wenjun Wang, Wen Yang, Xuesong Mei, Jiang Li, XueFeng Sun
Summary: The optical properties of microlens arrays can be significantly affected by optical crosstalk between adjacent lenses, but this issue can be mitigated through specific methods. Integrated microlens arrays composed of self-aligning convergent waveguides can achieve excellent optical performance.
Article
Biology
John Paul Currea, Yash Sondhi, Akito Y. Kawahara, Jamie Theobald
Summary: Methods to characterize compound eye optics are developed and validated using microscope, SEM, and mu CT eye images from ants, fruit flies, moths, and a bee. Compound eye morphologies provide insights into visual ecology, development, and evolution, and inspire novel engineering. The study presents two open-source programs for characterizing compound eye optics, including ommatidia detection in 2D images and anatomical acuity analysis in 3D data.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Anita Giglio, Maria Luigia Vommaro, Raffaele Giuseppe Agostino, Lai Ka Lo, Sandro Donato
Summary: Compound eyes in insects have diverse designs to adapt to different habitat demands and feeding habits. This study used synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast microtomography to describe the eye structures of four species of beetles and evaluate the applicability of this technique for studying internal eye parts. Morphological parameters were measured and discussed in relation to the species' lifestyle and habitat preferences. The imaging results provide novel morphological descriptions of compound eyes in these species, complementing their ecological and behavioral traits.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xinxue Wu, Chaolong Fang, Wangdong Xu, Dawei Zhang
Summary: Inspired by natural compound eyes, a curved artificial-compound-eye (cACE) photodetector is proposed and fabricated to enhance light-harvesting capability. The fabricated photodetector exhibits desirable geometric shape and improved photocurrent output, making it suitable for luminance sensing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peng Yin, Jiaqi Lv, Xin Wang, Rui Huang
Summary: An optical fiber daylighting system is proposed in this paper to make full use of solar energy efficiently, achieving uniform irradiance distribution and high concentration ratio. The system includes innovative collectors and compound parabolic lightguide (CPL) for light separation and compensation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhi-Yong Hu, Yong-Lai Zhang, Chong Pan, Jian-Yu Dou, Zhen-Ze Li, Zhen-Nan Tian, Jiang-Wei Mao, Qi-Dai Chen, Hong-Bo Sun
Summary: Researchers have demonstrated the potential of a miniature optoelectronic integrated compound eye camera by manufacturing polymer compound eyes with logarithmic profile ommatidia, which enables large field-of-view imaging, spatial position identification, and sensitive trajectory monitoring of moving targets. This insect-scale camera holds great promise for cutting-edge applications in endoscopy and robot vision by integrating well-developed planar imaging sensors with complex micro-optics elements.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mohammad Hafttananian, Adrian Neild, Victor J. Cadarso
Summary: This study presents a novel method for fabricating complex free-form microlenses and miniature microscope objectives that can be seamlessly integrated into microsystems and photonic devices. The method combines 3D printed molds, using direct laser writing two-photon polymerization, and soft lithography techniques, demonstrating exceptional design flexibility and excellent optical performance of the lenses. The ability to combine multiple lenses to produce complex micro-optical imaging objectives further highlights the potential of this technology for the rapid and cost-effective fabrication of sophisticated micro-optical components.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Elena Maria Zannoni, Can Yang, Ling-Jian Meng
Summary: This paper discusses the design study for a brain SPECT imaging system, HelmetSPECT, based on SCE gamma camera design, which offers excellent spatial resolution and high sensitivity for dynamic imaging. Evaluations show that the combination of ultrahigh-resolution imaging detectors, SCE design, and micro-ring and micro-slit apertures presents an interesting approach for future ultrahigh-resolution clinical SPECT imaging systems.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING
(2021)
Article
Optics
Xian Jing, Rongxin Zhu, Kaixuan Wang, Wenfang Si, Zhenyan Zhu, Xiuyuan Chen, Jieqiong Lin, MingMing Lu
Summary: An ultracompact micro multi-spherical compound eye (MSCE) was designed to solve the defocus problem existing in traditional curved compound eye for planar photoelectric detection. The MSCE was integrated with a series of thin lenses located on multiple spherical surfaces with various radii. By using the transverse additive manufacturing method via two-photon polymerization, the MSCE achieved precise fabrication and demonstrated superior quality and efficiency compared to traditional methods. The imaging quality was evaluated using spot diagrams and Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curves, and the actual field of view (FOV) angle was found to be consistent with the theoretical angle. This work is expected to promote the miniaturization and integration of optics systems for imaging, sensing, and illuminating.
OPTICS AND LASERS IN ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Ruth Johnson
Summary: The formation of Drosophila eye patterning involves a complex network of transcription factor interactions and the development of cell organization, including recruitment of photoreceptors, arrangement of support cells, and formation of tissue patterns. By studying the mechanisms behind Drosophila eye patterning, insights into transcription factors, signaling networks, cell structures, adhesion complexes, and tissue morphogenesis can be gained. However, many important questions, especially regarding the regulation and integration of cellular events, still remain unanswered.
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Swetapadma Sahu, Puja Karmakar, Jayasree Saha, Sankar Bhattacharyya, Monalisa Mishra
Summary: Immunofluorescence techniques are important for studying the structure, localization, and function of proteins in cells, and the Drosophila eye is a commonly used model. However, the complex sample preparation and visualization methods limit its use to experts. A new protocol is described here, using DMSO for easy sample preparation and imaging of the adult fly eye. The protocol includes brief descriptions of sample collection, preparation, dissection, staining, imaging, storage, and handling, as well as troubleshooting tips. This protocol reduces chemical usage and shortens sample preparation time to only 3 hours, making it more accessible for researchers.
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physics, Applied
Toshihiro Shiratori, Jinya Sakamoto, Yuma Kanazawa, Masato Suzuki, Tomokazu Takahashi, Seiji Aoyagi
Summary: In order to mimic the microstructure of tree frog toe pads, researchers created a micro-adhesive structure with hexagonal channels. They used femtosecond laser processing to create fine grooves on the surface of a sponge, allowing for the proper thickness of the liquid phase between the sponge and an object. It was found that the shear force decreased when the structure became too fine, due to the agglomeration of the microstructures.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Longhui Li, Chen Zhang, Jian Wang, Zhixing Ling, Zhenqing Jia, Xiaoqing Cong, Ge Jin, Zhen Zhang, Zhao Xu, Yingjun Zhang, Jinyong Fang, Mingzhao Ouyang, Yuegang Fu
Summary: Lobster eye micro pore optics (MPO) has been extensively studied and developed since 1979. In this research, the use of atomic layer deposition technology (ALD) successfully coated the lobster eye optics with a 21 & PLUSMN; 1 nm thick iridium metal film. However, the high deposition temperature led to increased roughness and decreased performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Youngkyu Hwang, Anupam Sadhu, Sangho Shin, Shin Woei Leow, Ze Zhao, Jingyu Deng, Joshua A. Jackman, Munho Kim, Lydia H. Wong, Nam-Joon Cho
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of a flexible substrate made from pollen, which exhibits high transparency (>92%) and high haze (>84%), with optical properties that are tunable and arise from light-matter interactions with the spiky surface of pollen particles. The pollen substrate, readily obtained from nature and requiring minimal extraction or processing, can be incorporated into optoelectronic applications such as functional perovskite solar cells.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rachmi Luthfikasari, Tejal Patil, Dinesh K. Patel, Sayan Deb Dutta, Keya Ganguly, Maria Mercedes Espinal, Ki-Taek Lim
Summary: Plants, with their unique anatomical and physiological characteristics, can be utilized in emerging technologies through a biomimetic approach. This review examines the adaptation and utilization of micro-nanostructures and micro-nanoscale systems in plants for the design of materials suitable for a micro-nanorobot platform. The potential functionality and prospective resources of these plant-based materials are explored, as well as the challenges and future adaptations for practical applications.
Article
Optics
Kisoo Kim, Kyung-Won Jang, Sang-In Bae, Hyun-Kyung Kim, Younggil Cha, Jae-Kwan Ryu, Yong-Jin Jo, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: An ultrathin arrayed camera (UAC) for high-contrast near infrared (NIR) imaging has been developed using microlens arrays with a multilayered light absorber. Experimental results show increased image contrast and MTF 50 by eliminating optical noise between microlenses through the light absorber. The UAC allows successful NIR imaging to distinguish between the security strip of an authentic bill and the blood vessel of a finger, offering new possibilities for applications in biometric identification, surveillance, and biomedical imaging.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wonkyoung Lee, Byoung-Hoon Kang, Hyunwoo Yang, Moonseong Park, Ji Hyun Kwak, Taerin Chung, Yong Jeong, Bong Kyu Kim, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: The spread spectrum SERS method allows rapid quantification of neurotransmitters with high temporal resolution and signal-to-noise ratio improvement. It enables unlabelled detection of neurotransmitters without Raman reporters, showing potential for early diagnosis of neurological disorders and biosensing applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Myeong-Su Ahn, Charles Soon Hong Hwang, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: This study introduces a large-area and single-resonance plasmonic spectral filter for RGB-NIR imaging using nanoimprinted complementary plasmonic structures (CPS). The CPS attenuate unfavorable resonances of nanohole arrays by incorporating extinction resonance of nanodisk arrays, resulting in single peaks in 437, 515, 644, and 912 nm. The unique configuration of CPS greatly enhances color purity and extends color reproduction range, demonstrating tetrachromatic imaging capabilities.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hamin Na, Byoung-Hoon Kang, Jayoung Ku, Yoosik Kim, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: The outbreak of new viral strains has driven advancements in universal diagnostic techniques for detecting infectious diseases with unknown viral sequences. On-chip paper electrophoresis allows for rapid screening of infectious diseases, offering a new diagnostic platform for ultrafast viral disease detection at the point-of-care level.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Myeong-Su Ahn, Jaehun Jeon, Kyung-Won Jang, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: The study presents a MEMS mirror with large-area and high flatness ultrathin membrane using silicon rim microstructure, which effectively prevents membrane tensile stress relaxation. The mirror can maintain high flatness during electrothermal actuation and is suitable for various micro-optic applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kyung-Won Jang, Kisoo Kim, Sang-In Bae, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: A biologically inspired ultrathin contact imager (BUCI) is reported for high-resolution contact fingerprint imaging. The device includes an ultrathin arrayed camera, light-emitting diode arrays, and light guide plate, providing a large field of view and high MTF.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jaehun Jeon, Hyunwoo Kim, Hyunwoo Jang, Kyungmin Hwang, Kyuyoung Kim, Young-Gyun Park, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: A handheld confocal microscope catheter using a rapid MEMS scanning mirror is capable of real-time optical biopsy, providing high-definition and high frame rate scanning.
BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Charles S. H. Hwang, Sangyeon Lee, Sejin Lee, Hanjin Kim, Taejoon Kang, Doheon Lee, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: This study reports a direct and label-free method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory aerosols. The researchers used a highly adsorptive Au-TiO2 nanocomposite SERS face mask and an ablation-assisted autoencoder, successfully detecting SARS-CoV-2 in artificial respiratory aerosols and achieving quantitative analysis of its concentration in aerosols.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Byoung-Hoon Kang, Kyung-Won Jang, Eun-Sil Yu, Hamin Na, Yun-Jae Lee, Woong-Yeol Ko, NamHo Bae, Donggee Rho, Ki -Hun Jeong
Summary: This study presents a rapid and compact real-time RT-PCR system for decentralized molecular diagnostics. It utilizes plasmonic nucleic acid amplification and quantification, and features an ultrafast plasmonic thermocycler, a disposable plastic-on-metal cartridge, and a compact fluorescence microscope. The system successfully enables 10-minute diagnosis of COVID-19 with high amplification efficiency, classification accuracy, and total percent agreement for clinical diagnostic tests.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sung-Pyo Yang, Jae-Myeong Kwon, Jae-Won Seo, Han Jo Jun, Kyungmin Hwang, Eun-Sun Kim, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: This study reports a method for in vivo 3D imaging of abnormal features during endoscopic operation using a light switching microprojector. The microprojector integrates rotational offset microlens arrays and a customized illumination fiber bundle through a single illumination channel of a clinical endoscope. The technique enables accurate measurement of the size and volume of abnormal tissues.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Byoung-Hoon Kang, Kyung-Won Jang, Eun-Sil Yu, Hamin Na, Yun-Jae Lee, Woong-Yeol Ko, NamHo Bae, Donggee Rho, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: This study presents an ultrafast plasmonic nucleic acid amplification and real-time quantification system for decentralized molecular diagnostics. The system features ultrafast photothermal cycling, rapid heat transfer, and efficient PCR quantification, along with high-contrast fluorescence microscopic imaging. It enables decentralized point-of-care molecular diagnostic testing in primary care and developing countries.
Article
Optics
Kisoo Kim, Kyung-Won Jang, Hyun-Kyung Kim, Sue Bean Cho, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: The biologically inspired intraoral camera features various functional characteristics for dental imaging. It utilizes a convex-concave lens and inverted microlens arrays to collect light from wide angles for multifunctional imaging. Clinical trials have shown its successful application in real-time intraoral monitoring.
JOURNAL OF OPTICAL MICROSYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Sang-In Bae, Sangyeon Lee, Jae-Myeong Kwon, Hyun-Kyung Kim, Kyung-Won Jang, Doheon Lee, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: This study introduces a machine-learned NIR-LFC method for reading facial expressions by extracting Euclidean distances of 3D facial landmarks in pairwise fashion. The NIR-LFC not only enhances image contrast and reduces reconstruction errors, but also achieves exceptional accuracy in classifying input vectors on facial depth maps of happiness, anger, sadness, and disgust. This LFC provides a new platform for quantitatively labeling facial expressions and emotions in various applications.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jae-Myeong Kwon, Sung-Pyo Yang, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: The study presents a pain assessment method using a 3D face reading camera assisted by dot pattern illumination, allowing for precise, real-time, and continuous pain monitoring without the need for subjective judgement. This method provides consistent pain rating from 3D data, regardless of head movement, and offers a new guideline for pain assessment in clinical practice.
MICRO AND NANO SYSTEMS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Jae-Beom Kim, Jaehun Jeon, Kyungmin Hwang, Daniel Y. Kim, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: An objective-lens-free endomicroscopic catheter was developed for a compact Lissajous scanned confocal endomicroscopic system, utilizing a scanning lensed fiber to reduce cost and facilitate fabrication. The compact endomicroscopic scanner can be easily inserted through traditional scopes, providing successful microscopic imaging of various tissues.
JOURNAL OF OPTICAL MICROSYSTEMS
(2021)