Dual field of view infrared imaging via hybrid meta-optics

Zoom lenses are an essential element in many imaging applications for modifying the field of view (FOV) of a system. However, conventional zoom mechanisms require the precise movement of multiple lenses throughout the system, increasing system bulk and complexity. This design challenge is even more pronounced in infrared imaging systems due to the size, weight, and cost of the sensors and optics. Recent works have demonstrated different approaches for designing compact zoom and dual field of view (DFOV) lenses using metasurfaces. In this work, we demonstrate a hybrid meta-refractive system combining refractive elements and all-silicon metasurfaces to achieve a compact DFOV imaging system with no moving parts. We leverage the form birefringence of the metasurfaces such that each FOV is separated into orthogonal polarization channels. In the hybrid system, s-polarized light is focused solely by the refractives, creating a broadband narrow FOV image while p-polarized light is focused by both refractive and metasurface elements, forming a narrowband wide FOV image. We experimentally demonstrate the DFOV imaging capability of the hybrid system in the lab. We show the ability to simultaneously image both fields of view and separate the images using a linear polarizer. Our approach provides a simple, lightweight alternative to conventional zoom lenses, with potential applications in surveillance, remote sensing, and environmental monitoring.