Single-step optical realization of bio-inspired dual-periodic motheye and gradient-index-array photonic structures

This Letter demonstrates a single-step optical realization method for hexagonal and square lattice-based dual periodic motheye and gradient-index-array photonic structures over large areas. Computed phase mask of gradient interference patterns are used as inputs to a phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM), and the first-order diffracting beams are coherently superposed with the help of a 2f-2f Fourier filtering setup to avoid complex optical geometry for generation and control of individual beams. The simulated interference patterns are verified experimentally through a CMOS camera. The fabricated micro-structures on a positive photoresist are shown to have a major periodicity of 638 μm and minor periodicity of 25.2 μm, with the air hole diameter varying from 22.7 to 6.9 μm along the X and Y axes. The depth of the fabricated structure gradually varies from 4.203 μm at the center to 1.818 μm at the corner. These structures may be scaled down to submicron features that can show improved anti-reflection properties for solar energy harvesting and GRIN lens for optical wavelength region.