A reconfigurable, broadband light-field mapper for illusionary effects

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

The manipulation of light field is pivotal for advancing optical technologies. Here, we present a reconfigurable optical system based on lens-fiber networks that function as a light-field mapper, capable of generating macroscopic optical illusions. This system employs a lens array to decompose the incident light field, which is then transmitted via a fiber network and reconstructed by a second lens array. This process establishes a reconfigurable mapping between input and output light fields. Through proof-of-principle experiments, we demonstrate “free-space” illusion devices, where light rays traverse the mapper—including embedded opaque objects—in straight lines, effectively mimicking propagation through free space. Our work introduces a flexible platform for light-field manipulation with potential applications in virtual reality, optical computing, and secure communication.