Scientists at the University of Stuttgart have developed a three-lens camera that is no bigger than a grain of salt. The camera can be a game change in the health imaging and clandestine surveillance sectors. The researchers noted that the camera is so small that it could be injected into the body of a person using a syringe. It could be used to view organs or even the brain.<\/p>\n
Since standard lenses cannot be made this small using traditional technique, the team used 3D printing method to add the three lenses layer by layer. 3-D printing also known as additive manufacturing is usually used to make three-dimensional objects by depositing layers after layer of materials such as ceramic, plastic or metal.<\/p>\n
The German engineers who developed the camera claimed that they only took a few hours to design, manufacture and test the camera. They further noted that despite the fast build up, the camera was still able to yield high optical performance and a great compactness. The lenses of the camera are just 100 micrometers, (0.1 millimeters) \u2013 wide, which is around the same size as a grain of salt. The camera is able to focus on images from 3.0mm and relay them through a 1.7-metre optical fiber.<\/p>\n
The camera can be viewed as a definite promise of better health imaging though it still needs to pass necessary regulations and tests. The endoscopic application will allow for non-destructive and non-invasive examination of small objects in medicals and industrial sector.<\/p>\n
According to the researchers, the camera could also be used as a minimally-intrusive endoscope and be deployed in virtually invisible security monitors or robots with autonomous vision.<\/p>\n
The team also noted that the compound less can also be printed onto image sensors other than optical fibers, such as those used in digital cameras.<\/p>\n
Featured Image Credit:Phs.org<\/p>\n