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Numerical analysis of an annular-aperture solid immersion lens
1National Research Laboratory of Nonlinear Optics, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, South Korea. liucheng@phya.yonsei.ac.kr
Optics Letters
|September 9, 2004
Summary
A novel annular-aperture solid immersion lens (SIL) enhances focal depth by combining annular aperture and SIL techniques. This innovation relaxes distance control, preventing optical head damage in data recording and lithography.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Solid immersion lenses (SILs) are crucial for high-resolution optical applications.
- Achieving precise distance control between optical heads and media is challenging, risking damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and numerically analyze a physical model of an annular-aperture solid immersion lens (SIL).
- To demonstrate the enhanced focal depth and relaxed distance control conditions offered by this hybrid technique.
Main Methods:
- Development of a physical model for an annular-aperture SIL.
- Numerical simulation using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in focal depth was achieved by incorporating an annular aperture in front of the SIL.
- The combined technique leverages the benefits of both annular-aperture and SIL technologies.
- The proposed method allows for relaxation of stringent distance control requirements.
Conclusions:
- The annular-aperture SIL effectively enhances focal depth and relaxes distance control.
- This technique mitigates risks of scratches or collisions between optical heads and recording media.
- Potential applications include optical data recording, lithography, and other immersion-based high-resolution technologies.