World’s thinnest Lens, now becomes reality. A group of researchers has developed this lens which is one two-thousandth the thickness of a human hair. This lens is paving the way for flexible computer displays and a revolution in miniature cameras.

Lead researcher Dr Yuerui (Larry) Lu from The Australian National University (ANU) said, “the discovery hinged on the remarkable potential of the molybdenum disulphide crystal, this type of material is the perfect candidate for future flexible displays.”

“We will also be able to use arrays of microlenses to mimic the compound eyes of insects,” Lu added. Dr Lu said that Molybdenum disulphide, which is an “amazing crystal,” survives at high temperatures, is a lubricant, a good semiconductor and can emit photons too.

The 6.3-nanometre lens outshines previous ultra-thin flat lenses, made from 50-nanometre thick gold Nano-bar arrays, known as a metamaterial. The capability of controlling the flow of light in atomic scale opens an exciting avenue towards unprecedented miniaturisation of optical components and the integration of advanced optical functionalities.

The team created their lens from 9 atomic layers which they had peeled off a larger piece of molybdenum disulphide with sticky tape. The team discovered that single layers of molybdenum disulphide, 0.7 nanometers thick, had remarkable optical properties, appearing to a light beam to be 50 times thicker, at 38 nanometers.