Curved sensors

[Merlin66]

I'm sure there was another thread, but can't find it....


https://www.dpreview.com/news/7542036825/french-startup-is-preparing-its-curved-cmos-image-sensor-for-mass-production?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2020-december-17&ref_=pe_1822230_561857150_dpr_nl_45 7_26

[N1]

I think it's a great idea but getting optics makers to agree on exactly what field curvature to design for won't be easy (assuming there is an optimal non-flat field where most optics would be better in some way). Once adaptive-curved sensors become feasible for mass-production that will be a serious step forward.

[Merlin66]

Yeah.
Interesting that the image seems to show a sensor with a concave curve whereas the illustration shows a convex sensor application.

[N1]

Same, I thought lenses had concave image "planes"

[Merlin66]

A little more complex than that.....
https://www.telescope-optics.net/curvature.htm


I don't understand how eyepieces, considering the different curvatures of the telescope systems, can be compared across various telescopes.....

[xelasnave]

I am sure the matter has been discussed..I think I may have started a thread because I was very interested in short fl and felt acurved sensor would change the game...I recall talking about the Meade 12 inch film astro graph available just before digital took off...when real photographers used film and digital was a mere gimic, the Meade was considered very flash because the film plate was curved..looking at the diagram in the link I really think they have the curve the wrong way...the way they have it would provide a very bad image in my view..I will look again but the way it shows you would have that curvature for a Newtonian scope...it's easy to work out..anyways I will check.

I have even thought, on the basis of never getting a curved sensor to fashion a lens that lays flat on the sensor to arrive at a situation where all light paths at least arrive at that surface simultaneously..but you still have to deal with different thickness within that lens...I am not sure who has the patient in fact I think their are two ways of doing it...I need to look into it again.
Alex

I even wrote to ZWO suggesting that curved sensors will be a game changer for astro photography and although they gave me a nice reply indicated they have no plans no doubt they would have run off saying "heck if "Alex says its a good idea we better start designing a new camera with curved sensors because that guy is always right"...so when they bring one out you will know who gave them the idea...however whoever is first to offer a suitable camera with a curved sensor will send all the other camera companies bankrupt ...wait and see.

The curvature would need to be matched to the focal length and although all focal lengths will benefit it will be shorter focal lengths where the most benefit will be gained..but a range, f2 f4, f5 f8 and f10 and although that seems strange think of the days when you could only buy a model T Ford...

Alex

[N1]

Nor does Alex (mental4astro). He's looked into this a bit, and has a thread or two on here with his thoughts on the matter.
Comparing eyepieces across different scopes is of limited use for many reasons, the shape of the focal plane is just one.

[N1]

I think that's part of the reason why the flat image plane is a good compromise. At the very least it's an easy thing to define and build standards around. Design wise, there may be easier shapes to build for...