Novel optics/micro-optics for miniature imaging systems

The visual revolution triggered by the commercial application of digital image capturing devices generates the need for new miniaturized and cheap optical imaging systems and cameras. However, in imaging we can observe only a permanent miniaturization of elements but always similar optical principles are applied which are known to the optical designers for many decades. With the newly gained spectrum of technological capabilities it is the time to ask: Which vision principle should be used at which level of miniaturization and which technology has to be applied in order to achieve the perfectly adapted imaging system? In this paper we present an overview of two insect inspired artificial compound eye concepts for compact vision systems fabricated by lithographic technologies, one classical miniaturized objective and its wafer-scale fabrication and the use of variable focal length liquid lenses for miniaturized autofocus- and zoom objectives without moving parts.