A Bionic Compound Eye-Inspired Micro-Nano Integrated Polarization Sensor: Polarization Detection and Solar...

Area of Science:

• Optoelectronics
• Biomimetic sensors
• Polarization imaging

Background:

• Advancements in polarization sensors are driven by localization needs using sky-polarized light.
• A significant gap exists in compact, lightweight, and highly integrated polarization sensors.
• Cost-effective manufacturing of high-quality polarization sensors is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a miniature bionic compound eye polarization (MBCEP) sensor.
• To leverage biomimicry inspired by the mantis shrimp's compound eyes.
• To develop a compact and efficient polarization sensing solution.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of curved microlens arrays (CMLAs) using ultraprecision machining and hot embossing.
• Integration of metamaterials with a CMOS sensor via nanoimprint lithography (NIL) and aluminum thermal evaporation.
• Real-time polarization data processing using a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).

Main Results:

• The MBCEP sensor is compact (84 × 82 × 34 mm) and lightweight (approx. 65 g).
• Established a sky polarization distribution model and a dedicated testing system for calibration.
• Experimental validation confirmed accurate polarization imaging and polarized light capture.

Conclusions:

• The MBCEP sensor successfully captures polarized sky information for precise sun position determination.
• The developed sensor addresses the need for compact, integrated polarization sensing.
• The manufacturing process shows potential for cost-effective, high-quality sensor production.