Work

Image rotation about the axis of view via skew lenses and special relativity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We propose a configuration of skew ideal lenses that provide a stigmatic image of the scene with a magnification +1, rotated around an axis of view. The design of the proposed skew-lens system is inspired by the theory of special relativity, namely the Wigner rotation, when noncollinear Lorentz transformations are combined. The angle of image rotation φ can be set arbitrarily within a range ( − π , π ) except for ϕ = ± π / 2 . Provided that an experimental realization is achievable, the Wigner rotator introduced here, may serve as a foundation for biomedical applications, for example, in the treatment of cyclotropia. Our work reveals previously unappreciated imaging properties of skew-lens combinations and aims to escalate the research in fabrication of metalenses as the closest real-life realizations of ideal thin lenses.

Source: Journal of Physics Photonics

DOI: 10.1088/2515-7647/ae42a7

Authors: Matúš Soboňa, Radovan Sokol, Maik Locher, Jakub Bělín

Institutions: Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, University of Glasgow

Language: English

Topic: Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,700

Funder: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council