New superlens can show invisible objects

New York: A new hyperlens, called a metamaterial hyperlens can help us see tiny objects that elude even the most powerful optical systems. The lens may someday help detect some of the most lethal forms of cancer. It could also lead to advancements in nano-electronic manufacturing and boost scientists' ability to examine single molecules -- a development with implications in physics, chemistry, biology and other fields, the researchers said.

There is a great need in healthcare, nanotechnology and other areas to improve our ability to see tiny objects that elude even the most powerful optical systems. Conventional optical systems, such as microscopes and cameras, are limited by diffraction -- a phenomena in which light bends as it passes around an edge or through a slit.

The new hyperlens overcomes the diffraction limit by transforming decaying evanescent waves into propagating waves. The design of this metamaterial hyperlens overcomes the diffraction limit in visible frequency range. "Such a tool could improve doctors' ability to detect some of the most lethal forms of cancer, such as ovarian cancer," the researchers said.