Awards

PolyU scholar honoured the National Disruptive Technology Contest by Ministry of Science & Technology

The research project “Low-temperature molding technology for precision optical components based on new nanocomposite glass materials” (基於新型納米複合玻璃材料的精密光學元件低溫成型技術) led by scholar of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is honoured the 2022 Merit Award of National Disruptive Technology Contest (全國顛覆性技術創新大賽領域賽優秀獎) in the field of new materials by Torch High Technology Industry Development Center of Ministry of Science & Technology (MOST). A total of 2,851 projects from all over China participated in the Contest, and PolyU is the only Hong Kong institution being honoured.

The PolyU driven start-up project, led by Prof. W.B. Lee, Emeritus Professor of Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, develops the technology for the precision molding of a modified nanocomposite glass materials which could be formed at a low temperature below 300 OC, followed by sintering or formed at room temperature with ultra-violet curing without vacuum requirement in the manufacturing of aspheric or free formed optical glass lens. The project is also a collaboration with the Nano Manufacturing Laboratory of the City University of Hong Kong.

This research will bring significant innovative breakthrough to the precision optics manufacturing industry. The research results can be applied in low-cost, high-volume manufacturing of optical components such as lenses and Fresnel lenses, for applications in next-generation portable devices, smartphones for driverless cars, holographic displays and VR glasses, and light field display technology of metaverse etc.

The National Disruptive Technology Contest focuses on integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, future networks and communications, biotechnology, new materials, green technology, high-end equipment manufacturing and multiple disciplines, and other technology which could bring cutting-edge innovation and breakthrough.

(Source: PolyU Research and Innovation Office)

Compound eye for high-density 3D imaging

Prof. Lee Wing-bun and his research team at the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering have developed a system named "Compound eye for high-density 3D imaging". This innovation was inspired by the physiological structure of flies' compound eyes. Applying ultra-precision rolled plate machining technology, this low-cost system realises higher quality of images.

Adopting microlens arrays composed of 12,000 microlens, the technology can acquire realistic 3D images of objects at both near and far fields and achieve “shoot first, focus later” effect. By processing the captured images, this technology provides a solution for image distortion caused by conditions such as insufficient light and inadequate resolution.

This technology can be broadly applied in imaging applications, including high precision surface profile, displacement and velocity measurements. In future, such type of lens can be used for optical cameras for medical devices, Lytro cinema cameras, 3D scanners, as well as the production of 3D images and movies etc.

The invention won a Gold Medal and the Prize of Association “Russian House for International Scientific and Technological Cooperation” at the 44th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva.