Conventional planar processes create an array of silicon optoelectronics components that are then formed into an eye-shape camera, reducing optical distortions and aberrations that occur in flat-sensor camera designs. (University of Illinois at Urbana-Cha

Array of photodiode and p-n junction-blocking diodes with metal inter-connects allows capture of visible images. Conventional planar processes are used to create an array of silicon optoelectronics components that are then formed into an eye-shape camera, reducing optical distortions and aberrations that occur in flat-sensor camera designs.( University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Image)

First Hemispherically Shaped Camera Reduces Distortions

Published Dec. 14, 2011
By Ms. Molly Lachance, AFRL/AFOSR-PIP
Office of Scientific Research

ARLINGTON, Virginia -- AFRL-funded researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern University have developed the first curvilinear, or hemispherically shaped, camera that reduces optical distortions normally associated with flat-sensor cameras

The camera is built from planar silicon optoelectronic components that are formed into an eye-shape nonplanar distributed focal array using a unique and repeatable process. This camera follows the development of two breakthroughs at Stanford: expandable silicon designed to meet large-area applications; and a curved silicon sensor array.

A critical advantage of this method is that the silicon structures and the deformable interconnects can be fabricated using conventional planar processes. The research team notes that these strategies might offer opportunities for new classes of imaging systems in which design optimization involves not only the lens configurations but also the detector geometries, and that additional opportunities might arise from the ability to integrate electronics and optoelectronics with the curvilinear surfaces of the human body --Inconceivable with conventional, rigid, wafer-based technologies.