Analytic design of multiple-axis, multifocal diffractive lenses

In this Letter, we introduce an analytic procedure for designing diffractive lenses using the combination of wavefronts aberrated by Zernike polynomials. We show how to design amplitude-only, phase-only, continuous, and binary lenses providing equivalent results. As an example we apply it to the design of a multiple-axis, multifocal lens. The number of foci and their positions can be easily controlled. Theoretical predictions have been experimentally confirmed. The main advantage of this procedure is that, because it is simple and intuitive, it can be used successfully for the design of complex lenses.