‘Smart glass’ alternative to mechanical camera lenses

A “smart glass” surface that goes opaque when an electrical charge runs through it could be used to design the next generation of smartphone cameras.

Researchers from the University of Kaiserslautern in Germany have developed a “micro-iris”, which could replace the mechanical overlapping blades of traditional camera irises.

In their study the researchers used electrochromic material to create the glass, which used minimal power and could allow for reductions in smartphone camera size.