Metamaterial Flat Lens Works At Uv Wavelengths

Scientists working at NIST recently demonstrated a flat lens that bends and focuses ultraviolet light to create 3D images of objects that float in free space. Developed in collaboration with researchers from the Maryland NanoCentre at the University of Maryland, Syracuse University, and the University of British Columbia, the device is fabricated from alternating nano-layers of silver and titanium dioxide. The resulting metamaterial lens has a negative refractive index, enabling it to project a 3D image of any object placed on the lens. Scientists say the device is easy to build and could lead to improved photolithography, nanoscale manipulation and manufacturing, and high-resolution 3D imaging, among other applications.