Biology provides a multitude of varied, new paradigms for the development of adaptive optical networks. We discuss a first example of synthetic, biomimetic microlens arrays with integrated pores, whose appearance and function are strikingly similar to their biological prototype – a highly efficient optical element formed by brittlestars. The complex microstructure is created directly by three-beam interference lithography in a single exposure from a negative-tone photoresist, SU8. We show that (i) these synthetic polymeric microlenses have strong focusing ability and the structure can be, therefore, (ii) used as an adjustable lithographic mask, and that (iii) light-absorbing liquids can be transported in and out of the pores between the lenses, which provides a wide range of tunability of the lens optical properties.
Shu Yang, PA Joanna Aizenberg, "Multifunctional Biomimetic Microlens Arrays with Integrated Pores" in Proc. IS&T Digital Fabrication Conf., 2005, pp 164 - 167, https://doi.org/10.2352/ISSN.2169-4451.2005.21.2.art00054_3