Australia: Successfully manufactured a lens 1/2000th the thickness of a hair

(Baonghean.vn) – Australian scientists have successfully created the world’s thinnest lens, with a thickness of only 1/2000th of a hair. This advance has the potential to create a revolution in medicine, science and technology.

Scientists Yuerui “Larry” Lu and Jiong Yang – co-creators of the world’s thinnest lens. Photo: ANU/Stuart Hay.

This is the result of a research team from the Australian National University. This new lens is only 6.3 nanometers thin (where 1 nanometer = 1 billionth of a meter), beating the previous record of 50 nanometers.

To make such a thin spherical lens, scientists used a special crystal called molybdenum disulphide and used an ion beam to peel off each layer of atoms.

“This new material is a perfect candidate for future imaging devices,” said Dr. Yuerui Lu, the study's lead author.

The advance has the potential to revolutionize medicine, science, and imaging technology. Several technology companies have already begun testing the lens on prototypes of televisions and computers with screens that can bend, roll, or fold.

However, there is currently no plan to produce these products in large quantities and at low cost.

In addition, this material can also be used to create networks of microscopic lenses that simulate the “compound” eyes commonly found in insects.

Huyen Tran

(According to ABC News)