IMAGING DEVICE AND METHOD

摘要

The resolution of conventional imaging devices is restricted by the diffraction limit ‘Perfect’ imaging devices which can achieve a resolution beyond the diffraction limit have been considered impossible to implement. However, the present disclosure provides an imaging device which can achieve improved resolution beyond the diffraction limit and which can be implemented in practice. Said imaging device comprises: a. a lens having a refractive index that varies according to a predetermined refractive index profile; b. a source; c. an outlet for decoupling waves from the device; and d. a reflector provided around the lens, the source and the outlet, wherein the reflector and the refractive index profile of the lens are together arranged to direct waves transmitted in any of a plurality of directions from the source to the outlet.

主权项

1. An imaging device comprising:
a. a lens having a refractive index that varies according to a predetermined refractive index profile; b. a source; c. an outlet for decoupling waves from the device; d. a reflector provided around the lens, the source and the outlet; and wherein the reflector and the refractive index profile of the lens are together arranged to direct waves transmitted in any of a plurality of directions from the source to the outlet along a closed trajectory such that, in the absence of the outlet, the waves would be directed back to the source by the lens and the reflector, and wherein the outlet comprises an image detector, wave collector or reflector.