This new lens is based on a different concept than conventional optical lenses. Its structure is composed of fine metal wires (nanocolumns) of arranged in a nanometric array like the "Kenzan (pinholder)" of a flower arrangement. This metallic nanostructure acts as an imaging lens device allowing the observation of very small objects with subwavelength resolution. When a sample is placed on one side, an image exactly reproducing the superfine structure is formed on the other side with nanometric details.

This technology utilizes the collective oscillation phenomenon of free electrons called "surface plasmon". The performance of the lens was verified by both theoretical analysis and computer simulation.

If this new observation technique is applied to optical lithography for manufacturing of semiconductor-integrated circuits, to the development of new materials, or to bioscience research, technological renovation in optical technologies can be expected.

The research results were published in the science journal "Physical Review Letters" dated in December 31.