Microlensbased

Microlensbased refers to technologies and devices that rely on micro-scale lenses, typically arranged in a two-dimensional array, to shape and control light at the source, along propagation, or at the detector. Microlenses are small convex lenses with dimensions on the order of tens to hundreds of micrometers. Arrays of microlenses can increase light collection, improve spatial sampling, and tailor the angular distribution of light entering a device.

In imaging and sensing, microlens-based systems are common. Each microlens sits above a photodetector element in CMOS or CCD sensors, projecting light onto the underlying pixel. This arrangement increases the effective fill factor and reduces optical crosstalk, boosting sensitivity and color accuracy, particularly in compact cameras and smartphone sensors. In back-illuminated designs, microlenses help direct light toward the active layer, improving quantum efficiency. Microlens arrays are also central to light-field or plenoptic cameras, where a microlens array placed above the sensor records light from multiple viewpoints, enabling post-capture focus adjustments and depth estimation.

Beyond imaging, microlens-based optics find use in displays, projection, and photovoltaic applications. In displays, microlenses can improve light extraction and brightness. In solar energy, microlens-based concentrators focus sunlight onto smaller, high-efficiency cells, potentially boosting overall module efficiency, though they require precise alignment and tracking.

Challenges include fabrication tolerances, alignment accuracy, aberration control, and cost. Ongoing developments pursue aspheric or nano-structured microlenses, tunable elements, and tighter integration with semiconductor manufacturing.