Mumbai: A new type of color filter has been developed that might soon allow smartphones to take good quality low-light images.
Developed by Rajesh Menon, an Indian origin computer engineer at the University of Utah, the filter is speculated to let in more light than conventional filters, resulting in brighter and sharper images with better color reproduction.
Menon has created a transparent diffractive-filter array, which lets in three times more light than its Bayer alternatives. The transparent filer is just about a micron thick and is made of a wafer of glass with accurately designed minute ridges fixed on one side.
A representation of the process (Photo Credit: Rajesh Menon)
This design helps in bending light in certain directions as it passes, creating a series of at least 25 new color patterns. Consequently, abundant light enters the sensor, allowing the filter to determine more color information. This process helps in gaining brighter images with correct color illustration and no grains.
Even though smartphones are capable of offering brilliant image detailing during the daytime, lowlight photography continues to be the biggest predicament.
Menon has developed this filter specifically for smartphones to enhance low light image quality and is currently negotiating with several large electronics and camera companies to incorporate this technology.He believes that the first commercial product to use this filter could be out in less than three years.
