Lens functions of polymer microparticle arrays

Abstract Lens functions of an array of polymer microparticles, whose particle size distribution is monodispersion, are investigated. It was demonstrated that the formation of single or double layered microparticle arrays can be controlled. The double layered array showed a characteristic lens function which can be explained by the Moire pattern formation between the two lens sheets adjacent to each other. The image showing up on the second lens sheet could be varied by controlling the rotation angle of the second sheet, corresponding to the variation of the Moire pattern. A spherically curved sheet of microlens array (SMLA) was prepared as an analogy to the compound eye of an insect. The lens function of the double layered SMLA was also investigated and discussed in terms of the image-forming mechanism as an analogue to the compound eye. The mechanisms of the lens functions could be theoretically explained and the phenomena were regenerated by computational simulation.