During the years of 1997-99, the project "Optical Diffractive Structures" (ODS) concentrated on one of the perspective fields of modern optical science - diffractive optics. In the frame of this project, several different areas of diffractive optics have been covered.

First, the analysis and theoretical study of diffraction processes in periodic structures (gratings) was of primal interest. Using both approximate and rigorous methods, several different topics have been covered [1-3]: high-spatial frequency gratings, structures in the resonance domain [3] (for detailed description, see also poster Richter, Fiala: "Anomalies and Resonant Effects in Diffractive Structures"), low-frequency gratings. New modifications of both rigorous (modified RCWA) and approximate (different modifications of transmittance methods, a newly introduced TCWA method) have been implemented. A new method of characterization of diffraction processes was also introduced by the authors [1,2].

Second, the synthesis problem has been solved, yielding a set of automated computer tools for an efficient design of phase optical diffractive structures based on paraxial optics approximation [4]. Moreover, several different methods of optimization have been studied, successfully implemented and modified for the design purposes (error diffusion, MAE, IFTA, DBS etc.).

Third, technology and experimental aspects of ODS have been approached. The diffractive optics laboratory has been extended and developed, including the reconstruction of optical writer, the development of automated spin coater, and the dark room for development of exposed materials.

Finally, different types of ODS have been demonstrated, realized and developed, as e.g. binary phase-only ODS for laser beam shaping, both with own laboratory technology, and with a cooperation of external laboratory (e-beam writer, Institute of Scientific Instruments, AS CR).

References

[2] Fiala,P. - Richter,I. - Ryzí,Z.: Analysis of diffraction processes in gratings, SPIE Proceedings Vol. 3820, p. 131, 1999.

[3] Richter,I. - Fiala,P.: Mechanisms connected with a new diffraction order, submitted for publication to OPTIK - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics.

[4] Škeren,M. - Richter,I. - Fiala,P.: Design of binary phase-only diffractive optical elements for laser beam shaping, in preparation for publication.

This research has been supported by GA CR grant No. 202/97/0666.

Zpět