Scientists have used 3D printing technology to create the world's smallest lens - only twice as wide as a human hair. The makers say the lens could lead to cameras the size of a grain of salt and could revolutionize medical imaging, covert surveillance, robotics and autonomous driving.

In a paper published in Nature Photonics on June 27, 2016, Dr. Timo Gissibl and his colleagues from the University of Stuttgart (Germany) explained how they achieved this by fitting three lenses into a pinhole camera and combining it with 3D printing technology to produce this triplet lens. This "needle" device can print images directly onto sensors, such as those used in digital cameras or endoscopes for internal examination of organs. The technology could also be deployed on security monitors or to add "autonomous vision" to mini-robots.

Dr. Gissibl and colleagues wrote: "Current lenses have production constraints in size, shape, and dimensions. Producing multilenses with aspherical shapes requires high optical performance and correction of imaging aberrations in wide-angle imaging. So we Proposing a new concept in the field of optics, combining 3D printing technology with complex lens technology opens up a new world for 3D micro-printing and nano-optics." The team believes that the 3D printing method they designed will represent "a paradigm. change".

In experiments they found that a 3mm object in the lens could be successfully replicated at the other end of a 1.7m tube. This "imaging system" is thin enough to fit into a commonly used syringe needle, delivering the desired object into human organs and even into the brain.

"Endoscopic applications will allow non-invasive and non-destructive examinations," they wrote.

Dr. Gissibl added, "Our approach offers unprecedented flexibility, enabling applications for endoscopy, cell biofiber imaging systems, novel illumination systems, microfiber traps, integrated quantum emitters and detectors, and autonomous vision for micro-drone and robots." paved the way for development.”