Next-generation cameras inspired by fruit flies and moths

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The fruit fly has apposition compound eyes which scientists have fabricated using photolithography to arrange and tune an array of microlenses. The microlenses act as quotommatidiaquot the insects tiny eye sensors. Photo credit: IOP.
The fruit fly has apposition compound eyes, which scientists have fabricated using photolithography to arrange and tune an array of microlenses. The microlenses act as "ommatidia," the insect’s tiny eye sensors. Photo credit: IOP.

Inspired by the way that nature has evolved the eyes of small insects, scientists have fabricated artificial compound eyes that could make camera lenses tiny enough to fit on credit cards or stickers.


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