Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing array cameras configured to perform super-resolution processing to generate higher resolution super-resolved images using a plurality of captured images and lens stack arrays that can be utilized in array cameras are disclosed. Lens stack arrays in accordance with many embodiments of the invention include lens elements formed on substrates separated by spacers, where the lens elements, substrates and spacers are configured to form a plurality of optical channels, at least one aperture located within each optical channel, at least one spectral filter located within each optical channel, where each spectral filter is configured to pass a specific spectral band of light, and light blocking materials located within the lens stack array to optically isolate the optical channels.

Abstract: An optical layer stack having a first layer, a second layer, a first spacer part associated with the first layer and a second spacer part associated with the second layer, wherein the two spacer parts have groove and tongue for an engagement in a stacking direction of the optical layer stack in order to provide a connection between the first and the second spacer part and a spacing of the first and the second layer in stacking direction.

Abstract: A variety of optical arrangements and methods of modifying or enhancing the optical characteristics and functionality of these optical arrangements are provided. The optical arrangements being specifically designed to operate with camera arrays that incorporate an imaging device that is formed of a plurality of imagers that each include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers. In many optical arrangements the MTF characteristics of the optics allow for contrast at spatial frequencies that are at least as great as the desired resolution of the high resolution images synthesized by the array camera, and significantly greater than the Nyquist frequency of the pixel pitch of the pixels on the focal plane, which in some cases may be 1.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a structure of curable material, a first structure from a first curable material is molded and cured on a substrate, and a second structure of a second curable material is molded and cured on a first surface of the first structure facing away from the substrate, so that at the first surface of the first structure a boundary surface forms between the first and second structures so that the first structure is not covered by the second structure in a passage area. A solvent is introduced into the passage area to dissolve the first curable material of the first structure so that a cavity forms between the second structure and the first surface of the substrate. After curing, the first curable material is soluble and the second curable material is insoluble for the solvent. An optical component and an optical layer stack are made of curable material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for forming a lens and spacer combination, and imager module employing the spacer and lens combination. The apparatus includes a mold having a base, spacer section, and mold feature. The method includes using the mold with a blank to create a spacer that includes an integral lens. The spacer and lens combination and imager modules can be formed on a wafer level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing array cameras configured to perform super-resolution processing to generate higher resolution super-resolved images using a plurality of captured images and lens stack arrays that can be utilized in array cameras are disclosed. Lens stack arrays in accordance with many embodiments of the invention include lens elements formed on substrates separated by spacers, where the lens elements, substrates and spacers are configured to form a plurality of optical channels, at least one aperture located within each optical channel, at least one spectral filter located within each optical channel, where each spectral filter is configured to pass a specific spectral band of light, and light blocking materials located within the lens stack array to optically isolate the optical channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for forming a lens and spacer combination, and imager module employing the spacer and lens combination. The apparatus includes a mold having a base, spacer section, and mold feature. The method includes using the mold with a blank to create a spacer that includes an integral lens. The spacer and lens combination and imager modules can be formed on a wafer level.

Abstract: Various embodiments include interconnects for semiconductor structures that can include a first conductive structure, a second conductive structure and a non-hardening liquid conductive material in contact with the first and second structure. Other embodiments include semiconductor components and imager devices using the interconnects. Further embodiments include methods of forming a semiconductor structure and focusing methods for an imager device.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a lens, a substrate is provided which includes recess in a first surface thereof. A lens structure having a first desired lens surface and a second desired lens surface is formed in the substrate's recess.

Abstract: A device for optically imaging at least part of an object onto an area of a digital image sensor includes an optical channel, which includes a first imaging lens arranged on a first substrate, a second imaging lens arranged on a second substrate, and a field lens arranged on a third substrate. The first and second imaging lenses are identical and arranged such that a first surface of the first imaging lens is a light entry surface of the optical channel and that a first surface of the second imaging lens is a light exit surface of the optical channel. The field lens is arranged between the first imaging lens and the second imaging lens such that an axis running perpendicularly to the lateral extension of the optical channel and through a lateral center of the field lens forms a symmetry axis of the optical channel.

Abstract: A variety of optical arrangements and methods of modifying or enhancing the optical characteristics and functionality of these optical arrangements are provided. The optical arrangements being specifically designed to operate with camera arrays that incorporate an imaging device that is formed of a plurality of imagers that each include a plurality of pixels. The plurality of imagers include a first imager having a first imaging characteristics and a second imager having a second imaging characteristics. The images generated by the plurality of imagers are processed to obtain an enhanced image compared to images captured by the imagers.

Abstract: A process and method for fabricating a master lens array for use in the manufacture of duplicate lens arrays is provided. The fabrication methods provided herein are capable of maximizing the quality of the master lens array in an efficient and cost effective manner, thereby reducing the propagation of errors in the lenses formed using the master lens array.

Abstract: An optical layer stack having a first layer, a second layer, a first spacer part associated with the first layer and a second spacer part associated with the second layer, wherein the two spacer parts have groove and tongue for an engagement in a stacking direction of the optical layer stack in order to provide a connection between the first and the second spacer part and a spacing of the first and the second layer in stacking direction.

Abstract: A process and method for fabricating a master lens array for use in the manufacture of duplicate lens arrays is provided. The fabrication methods provided herein are capable of maximizing the quality of the master lens array in an efficient and cost effective manner, thereby reducing the propagation of errors in the lenses formed using the master lens array.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a structure of curable material, a first structure from a first curable material is molded and cured on a substrate, and a second structure of a second curable material is molded and cured on a first surface of the first structure facing away from the substrate, so that at the first surface of the first structure a boundary surface forms between the first and second structures so that the first structure is not covered by the second structure in a passage area. A solvent is introduced into the passage area to dissolve the first curable material of the first structure so that a cavity forms between the second structure and the first surface of the substrate. After curing, the first curable material is soluble and the second curable material is insoluble for the solvent. An optical component and an optical layer stack are made of curable material.

Abstract: A method of producing a structure from curable material by molding includes arranging a molding tool above a surface, so that in a region between the molding tool and the surface, the curable material adjoins the surface and a molding face of the molding tool which faces the surface, and so that additional curable material may continue to flow into the region. The method further includes irradiating the curable material in the region in a locally varying manner, so that the curable material cures at different speeds in a laterally varying manner and that shrinkages occurring during curing of the curable material are compensated for by the additional curable material. The method further includes applying a constant pressure to the additional curable material. Moreover, a second method and an apparatus for producing a structure from curable material by molding and a molding tool for an optical component are described.

Abstract: An imaging system may include an image sensor and lenses on a substrate. The lenses may focus light onto the image sensor. The imaging system may include multiple optical channels, each of which directs light at a particular wavelength or range of wavelengths to a particular region of the image sensor. The imaging system may include optical crosstalk suppression structures that reduce or minimize optical crosstalk between the optical channels. The optical crosstalk suppression structures may include, for each optical channel, at least a pair of matching color filters. The color filters may keep any light that leaks between optical channels from reaching the image sensor.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a lens, a substrate which has a recess in a first surface thereof is provided. A sacrificial material is provided in the recess which has shape in accordance with a first desired lens surface. A lens material is applied to the substrate and to the sacrificial material and cured so that the lens material has a shape in accordance with the first desired lens surface, and then the sacrificial material is removed.

Abstract: Camera modules are provided using wafer level optics structures. Wafers of optical stack components such as spacers, lenses, filters, and aperture layers may be combined to form optical stacks for camera modules. Each optical stack may be formed from pieces of the lens and spacer wafers. The optical stacks may be mounted above digital image sensors to form compact camera modules for devices such as cellular telephones and digital cameras. To reduce lens flare, a lens hood structure may be mounted above the outermost lens in the optical stack structure. The lens hood structure may be formed from a layer of opaque plastic having an inner surface and an outer surface. The layer of plastic may be provided as part of a camera module housing or as a separate structure. A noncircular lens hood aperture may be formed in the outer surface of the lens hood layer. A corresponding inner aperture may be formed in the inner surface of the lens hood layer adjacent to the optical stack structure.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a lens, a substrate is provided which includes recess in a first surface thereof. A lens structure having a first desired lens surface and a second desired lens surface is formed in the substrate's recess.