Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a new flat, ultralight lens that could change how cameras are designed. The lens, which is made of a thin layer of material that can be stretched and relaxed, can focus light without the need for bulky glass or plastic lenses.

The new lens is made of a material called a "metamaterial," which is a material that has properties that are not found in nature. In this case, the metamaterial is made of a thin layer of silicon that is etched with tiny holes. These holes allow light to pass through the material, but they also cause the light to diffract, or bend. The amount of diffraction depends on the size and shape of the holes, and this can be controlled by stretching or relaxing the material.

By stretching or relaxing the material, the engineers can control the focal length of the lens. This means that they can change the distance between the lens and the sensor, which allows them to focus on objects at different distances.

The new lens is much thinner and lighter than traditional glass or plastic lenses. This makes it ideal for use in small, lightweight cameras, such as those used in smartphones and drones. The lens could also be used in medical imaging, where it could be used to create smaller, more portable imaging devices.

The engineers are currently working on improving the performance of the lens. They are also exploring ways to use the lens in other applications, such as augmented reality and virtual reality.

The development of the new lens is a major breakthrough in the field of optics. It has the potential to change the way that cameras are designed and used.