Surface profilometry with binary axicon-vortex and lens-vortex optical elements.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Diffractive Optics
• Metrology

Background:

• Axicons and vortex lenses are optical elements with unique beam-shaping properties.
• Diffractive optical elements offer advantages in manufacturing and functionality.
• Optical vortices are beams with a helical phase front.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the optical properties of a novel diffractive binary element.
• To demonstrate the element's ability to generate both converging and diverging beams carrying optical vortices.
• To explore the application of this element in surface profilometry.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a diffractive binary element with combined axicon and vortex lens properties.
• Illumination of the element with a laser beam.
• Characterization of the generated optical fields, including their convergence/divergence and vortex properties.
• Setup and testing of a surface profilometer utilizing the diffractive element.

Main Results:

• The diffractive binary element successfully produced two distinct beams: one converging and one diverging.
• Both generated beams were confirmed to carry a single optical vortex.
• The element facilitated a straightforward implementation of a surface profilometer.

Conclusions:

• The developed diffractive binary element exhibits unique properties combining axicon and vortex lens functionalities.
• Binary phase coding simplifies fabrication and enhances metrological capabilities.
• This element provides a foundation for developing advanced and simplified optical metrology systems.