Abstract: A spectral imaging system comprises: a spatial encoder comprising a first light encoding device comprising a first mask for spatial encoding, the first mask being configured with one or more encoding patterns; a spectral encoder comprising: a dispersion arrangement for splitting spatially encoded light from the first light encoding device into a plurality of components; and a second light encoding device comprising a second mask for spectral encoding of the plurality of components, the second mask having one or more encoding patterns; and at least one single-pixel photodetector positioned to measure light that is encoded by the masks. The spatial encoder is operable to spatially encode light by generating a sequence of different patterns or partial patterns of the one or more encoding patterns of the first mask. The spectral encoder is operable to spectrally encode light by relative movement between the dispersion arrangement and the second mask.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: A MEMS iris diaphragm (400) for an optical system is disclosed. The MEMS iris diaphragm (400) comprises at least two layers of diaphragm structures with each layer having suspended blade members (404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d) angularly spaced from each other, the at least two layers of blade members (404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d) arranged to overlap and cooperate with each other to define an aperture (408) to allow light to pass through, and a rotary actuating device (401) arranged to rotate at least some of the blade members (404a, 404b, 404c, 404d, 406a, 406b, 406c, 406d) of the at least two layers about their respective axis in a non-contact manner to vary the aperture's size. A method of adjusting a size of an aperture of a MEMS iris diaphragm (400) for an optical system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: The present application provides a micromechanical (MEMS) based zoom lens system, for use in miniature device applications, such as miniature electronic imaging devices. The MEMS-based zoom lens system comprises at least four optical elements, or two Alvarez or Lohmann lenses, that are configured for passage of optical signals therethrough along an optical signal path. Each optical element is MEMS-driven and displaceable in a direction substantially transverse to the optical signal path. In use, the transverse displacement of the optical elements vary an overall focal length of the MEMS zoom lens system such as to provide an optical zoom function. A method of manufacturing a MEMS zoom lens system is also provided in a further aspect.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes an in-plane vibratory mass platform having at least one diffraction grating formed thereon as the scanning element, at least one flexure structure that connects the mass platform to at least one fixed support, and at least one driving actuator that drives the mass platform into an in-plane vibratory motion which can be rotational and/or translational. The apparatus may also be formed by a mass platform having at least one diffraction grating formed thereon as the scanning element, at least one driving actuator connected to the mass platform through at least one flexure structure. The driving actuator drives the mass platform into an in-plane vibratory motion.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes an in-plane vibratory mass platform having at least one diffraction grating formed thereon as the scanning element, at least one flexure structure that connects the mass platform to at least one fixed support, and at least one driving actuator that drives the mass platform into an in-plane vibratory motion which can be rotational and/or translational. The apparatus may also be formed by a mass platform having at least one diffraction grating formed thereon as the scanning element, at least one driving actuator connected to the mass platform through at least one flexure structure. The driving actuator drives the mass platform into an in-plane vibratory motion.