Fueled by the recent developments in high volume consumer products, as well as by advancements in simulation tools and fabrication techniques, meta-optical elements (MOEs) are becoming increasingly adopted into a variety of photonics applications. While not a substitution for conventional optics, meta-surfaces possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from refractive alternatives, paving the way for new generations of photonics modules and systems. Innate MOE characteristics include superior wavefront control, scalability, polarization management and multi-functionality. MOE advantages become especially apparent in the infrared (IR), with increased diffractive powers, looser fabrication tolerances, and compatibility with semiconductor fabrication techniques using affordable optical materials. In this talk I’ll discuss transitioning from conventional bulky, multi-element IR lenses to wafer-level assemblies with MOEs. New lens design forms incorporating MOEs, with significantly reduced weight and volume will be presented, offering unique opportunities in developing scalable, and cost-effective multi-element IR imaging modules.
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