Self-Assembled Asymmetric Microlenses for Four-Dimensional Visual Imaging

Visual imaging that can extract three-dimensional (3D) space or polarization information on the target is essential in broad sciences and technologies. The simultaneous acquisition of them usually demands expensive equipment and sophisticated operations. Therefore, it is of great significance to exploit convenient approaches for four-dimensional (3D and polarization) visual imaging. Here, we present an efficient solution based on self-assembled asymmetric liquid crystal microlenses, with freely manipulated phase profiles and symmetry-breaking properties. Accordingly, characteristics of multifocal functionality and polarization selectivity are exhibited, along with the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, with a specific sample featured by radially increased unit sizes and azimuthally varied domain orientations, the discriminability of four-dimensional information is extracted in a single snapshot, via referring to the coordinates of the clearest images. Demultiplexing of depth/polarization information is also demonstrated. This work will unlock a variety of revolutionary apparatuses and lighten extensive applications.