Diffractive optics: the gradial zone lens

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional diffractive optical elements are often surface-relief structures.
• Integrating diffractive components within a bulk lens presents unique fabrication and performance characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the construction and optical properties of gradial zone lenses.
• To investigate the focusing behavior of gradial zone lenses, particularly when integrated into plano-convex designs.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of gradial zone lenses using spin molding of monomers into annular zones.
• Characterization of plastic lenses with micrometer-width zones designed for a phase difference of modulo 2pi.
• Analysis of focusing properties for gradial lenses with flat surfaces and plano-convex configurations.

Main Results:

• Gradial zone lenses incorporate diffractive elements within the bulk material.
• Flat-surfaced gradial lenses exhibit multiple foci, akin to radially blazed gratings.
• Plano-convex gradial lenses demonstrate additive focusing effects from both refractive and diffractive components.

Conclusions:

• Gradial zone lenses offer a novel approach to integrating diffractive optics.
• The combination of refractive and diffractive focusing in plano-convex gradial lenses enhances optical functionality.
• This technology holds potential for advanced plastic lens applications.