"Alphas" just got better (1 Viewer)

[WJC]

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-36438686

 

[PeterPS]

I have seen info about this new type of lens some months ago and have no doubt that arrays are the future (in many areas, not only in optics) but I believe that the "traditional alphas" are safe, for many years to come...One of my areas of expertise is "array processing" and indeed using a large array of "elements" (such as "micro-lenses=pillars") one can achieve much more than what you can with a single element (such as a "macro-lens") by careful pattern design (think of the high-resolution beamforming capability of large astro-arrays)---it will be interesting to see what arrays can do in optics, but that will take time!

 

[Troubador]

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-36438686

Welcome back Bill.

Thanks for posting this fascinating article and thanks also to Pesto for commenting.

Lee

 

[PeterPS]

Here is another example of what arrays can do in optics:

http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/7/9473793/light-l16-16-lens-camera-specs-price

The connection to what Bill posted is via the use of arrays: using multiple elements (in this examples inexpensive lenses) to match or even better the performance of an expensive lens.

Peter

 

[PeterPS]

Use of arrays in optics

Here is another more recent note about the L16 camera:
https://techcrunch.com/2016/12/07/lights-multi-lens-l16-camera-gets-wider-aperture-but-longer-delay/
Watch the video at the end of the article for a short and simple explanation on how the array of lenses works. But things take time (ttt)---the L16 is not yet ready for shipping.

Peter

 

[mfunnell]

Welcome back Bill.

+1

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

Glad to know you're back here.

...Mike