Germany-based Awaiba and Fraunhofer Institute of Reliability and Microintegration have developed the world’s smallest camera for disposable endoscopy applications. It has been developed with support from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering.
The microcamera offers a resolution of 62.500 pixels. Using an electrical cable, image information can be transmitted through the endoscope.
Micro Camera
A scientist at Fraunhofer Institute of Reliability and Microintegration, Martin Wilke stated that the microcamera can be produced inexpensively and can be disposed after a single use. The manufacturing process involves a silicon-wafer sheet.
The CEO of Awaiba, Stephan Voltz, stated that at 1.0 times 1.0 times 1.0 mm, the camera is as small as a grain of salt. One wafer can accommodate around 28,000 such image sensors.
Although it has been developed for medical use, it can also be applied in the automotive industry and could possibly replace rearview mirrors. It can also be used to track drivers’ eye movements to prevent them from diverting their attention from the road.
Source: http://www.izm.fraunhofer.de/