Australian scientists claim that they have created the world’s thinnest lens. As per the claim, the new lens is 2000 times thinner as compared to a human hair. It is a breakthrough set to revolutionize nanotechnology. The earlier available thinnest lens was about 50 nanometres thick but now the finished lens measures 6.3 nanometres in size. The new lens was created by a team of researchers which is led by Yuerui ‘Larry’ Lu from the Australian National University (ANU). The scientists are predicting that the lens will have revolutionary applications in medicine and science and technology. It could be used to create bendable computer screens.
Technology companies have already experimented with the new lens with prototype TV and computer screens which could be folded or rolled up. The mass production at cheaper price is yet to be devised. As per Lu, this material is the perfect candidate for future flexible displays. The Australian-made lens could also be arrays of micro-lenses which mimics the compound eyes of insects which is an another application of the Australian-made lens. Lu used to earlier lead NEMS (Nano-Electro-Mechanical System) Laboratory in ANU Research School of Engineering. Lu said a crystal called molybdenum disulphide was the special ingredient.
The Researchers have shaved off layers of the crystal atom by atom so that they can create an object with the domed shape of a lens and having delicate operation. Ion beam was used for this. Ion beam is commonly used in electronics manufacturing. At some stage of the process, they peeled off a sliver of crystal from which they crafted the final product. According to Lu, manipulating the flow of light at an atomic scale will lead to unprecedented miniaturization in the making of cameras too.