When encoded with a 3D network of interconnected and pentadirectional waveguides, an otherwise passive polymer film transforms into an intelligent optical element—a waveguide encoded lattice (WEL)—that combines a panoramic field of view, infinite depth of field and powerful capacity to perform multiple imaging operations such as divergence‐free transmission, focusing, and inversion. The lattices are moreover operable with coherent and incoherent light at all visible wavelengths, both individually (e.g., narrow band sources such as lasers, light‐emitting diodes) and collectively (e.g., incandescent sources). This combination of properties is unprecedented in single‐component films and the WEL structures represent a new class of flexible, slim films that could confer advanced optical functionalities when integrated with light‐based technologies (e.g., solar panels, smart phone cameras, and smart screens) and are amenable to the design and fabrication of new miniaturized optical and optoelectronic devices.

中文翻译：

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波导编码晶格（WEL）：具有全景视场（FOV）和多重成像功能的超薄聚合物膜

当使用互连和五方向的波导的3D网络进行编码时，原本无源的聚合物薄膜将转变为智能光学元件-波导编码的晶格（WEL）-结合了全景视野，无限景深和强大的执行多种功能的能力成像操作，例如无散度传输，聚焦和反演。此外，这些晶格可用于所有可见波长处的相干和非相干光，既可以单独使用（例如，窄带光源，例如激光器，发光二极管），也可以一起使用（例如，白炽灯光源）。这种特性的组合在单组分薄膜中是空前的，WEL结构代表了一类新的柔性，薄型薄膜，当与基于光的技术集成时，它们可以赋予先进的光学功能（例如