Abstract: A system for pulsed hydroponic plant growth without using a media substrate to support plant roots includes a growth platform, a mixing tank, and a hydraulic delivery system, wherein the growth platform is shaped to form multiple apertures, each configured to support a growth ring, and the hydraulic delivery system includes sensors, a high pressure pump, multiple inline valves, and multiple micro-sprayers, the high pressure pump, inline valves, and micro-sprayers being hydraulically coupled to the mixing tank. The mixing tank is configured to combine nutrients in water to generate a nutrient solution for a nutrient solution mist for release through micro-sprayers located in proximity to one or more growth rings, and the hydraulic delivery system is configured to pulse the release of the nutrient solution mist during a feeding cycle at a selected pulse-width.

Abstract: An optical adaptor is disclosed for use in combination with an optical imaging system. The adaptor is specifically configured so that when it is positioned within the optical path between an object and the imaging system, the adaptor corrects the field curvature of the imaging system so as to produce a substantially flat image of a curved object. The adaptor comprises a primary lens unit of positive power which in use is towards the object and which preferably takes the form of a thick meniscus lens having an overcorrect Petzval Sum, and a secondary lens unit of negative power which in use is towards the imaging system and which preferably takes the form of a relatively thin meniscus lens.