# Microscopically Thin Lenses This Flat Lens Will Make Cameras and Microscopes Better and Smaller By Charlotte Joyce Kidd | Published 2015-10-13 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flat-lens References: [space](http://www.space.com/30808-ultrathin-lenses-camera-microscope-space-tech.html) & [nature](http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150507/ncomms8069/full/ncomms8069.html) This new flat lens technology will allow cameras and microscopes to be produced in smaller sizes with less image distortion than ever before. Typically, the lenses in [eyeglasses and microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ixi-2) have to be made with a curvature. The curvature in the lens bends light, focusing it to a small point. Now, a team of researchers have found out how to make a flat lens that accomplishes the same process. The flat lens is composed of "[silicon nanopillars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siliconphotonics)," which are columns one one-billionth of a meter tall. Because of its shape and micro size, the flat lens will be able to fit into truly [miniature electronics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clearcam) without compromising image quality. Furthermore, the flat lens is made of silicon and will therefore be much more durable than current glass lenses. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 57% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Flat Lens Technology:** Advancements in flat lens technology will enable the creation of smaller cameras and microscopes without sacrificing image quality. - **Nanopillar Manufacturing:** The use of silicon nanopillars to create flat lenses can revolutionize the optics industry. - **Durable Silicon Lenses:** Silicon lenses provide greater durability and resistance to damage compared to traditional glass lenses. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Optics Industry:** Advancements in flat lens technology can disrupt the optics industry by enabling the creation of smaller, more durable, and higher quality lenses. - **Electronics Industry:** Flat lens technology can significantly impact the electronics industry by enabling the creation of smaller, more efficient camera and microscope components. - **Medical Industry:** The use of durable and high-quality flat lenses can revolutionize the medical industry by enabling the creation of better medical imaging devices that are less prone to damage. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Macro Smartphone Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moment-1.md) - [Affordable Spatial Camera Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rfs78mm-f4-stm-dual.md) - [3D Content-Capturing Camera Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imaging-camera-lens.md) - [Space-Saving Smartphone Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiftcam-lensultra.md) - [Ultra-Lightweight Photography Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panasonic-lumix-se100.md) - [Detachable Mobile Camera Lenses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobile-camera-lens.md) - [Transformational Cell Phone Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cell-phone-tools.md) - [Supplemental Smartphone Lens Microscopes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/imicro-q3.md) - [Futuristic AI Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-camera-concept.md)