This is certainly groundbreaking research that challenges the traditional viewpoint that flat, diffractive lenses are unable to correct all colors simultaneously. After all, typical diffractive lenses bend different wavelengths differently, which results in large chromatic aberrations. The super-achromatic lens developed is 10 times thinner compared to the width of a human hair, where it relies on a microstructure-geometry in order to usher in different wavelengths to the same focus.
The lenses were fabricated using optical lithography, making them easy to manufacture with a low cost entry point thanks to similar technologies used to manufacture CDs or DVDs. Of course, there is much more work that needs to be done before it becomes mainstream, so it looks like the industry will have to make do with Sony’s dual lens camera setup in the mean time.