We have built a micro-sensor that merges sensing and scanning functions in a single-chip, resulting in the successful design of the first integrated scanning retina of its kind. A microlens array was packed together with a photo-diode array and an electrostatically driven scanning slit. The movement of the electrostatic scanner generates an effect similar to "retinal scanning" found in the insects' compound eyes.

References :
Kazunori Hoshino, Fabrizio Mura, Isao Shimoyama, “A One-Chip Scanning Retina with an Integrated Micro-Mechanical Scanning Actuator for a Compound Eye Visual Sensor,” 13th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS '00), pp. 721-726, Miyazaki, Japan, Jan. 23-27, 2000. [Proceedings]

Kazunori Hoshino, Fabrizio Mura, Isao Shimoyama, “A One-Chip Scanning Retina with an Integrated Micromechanical Scanning Actuator,” Journal of Microelectromechanical systems, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 492-497, 2001. [Paper]

Kazunori Hoshino, Fabrizio Mura, Isao Shimoyama, “Design and Performance of a Micro-sized Biomorphic Compound Eye with a Scanning Retina,” Journal of Microelectromechanical systems, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 32-37, 2000. [Paper]