Bio-Inspired Artificial Vision Using Curved Ultrathin Image Sensor Array

Although recent efforts in device designs and fabrication strategies have resulted in meaningful progresses to the goal of the high-performance artificial vision, significant challenges still exist in developing a miniaturized and highly-sensitive artificial vision that enables the wide field-of-view (FoV) and/or amphibious imaging. This is mainly due to bulky, heavy, and multiple lenses employed in the conventional wide-angle imaging devices. In this talk, inspired by structural and functional features of the natural visions, novel wide FoV artificial visions using curved ultrathin image sensor arrays are introduced. The bio-inspired artificial visions offer the wide FoV, a miniaturized module size, minimal optical aberrations, a deep depth-of-field, an enhanced light sensitivity, and an amphibious imaging capability in a simple integrated device format. Theoretical analyses in conjunction with imaging demonstrations have corroborated the validity of the proposed concept. These bio-inspired artificial visions are expected to provide new opportunities for the advanced electronics and robotics.