Design of adjustable multifocal diffractive optical elements with an improved smooth phase profile by continuous...

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Multifocal diffractive optical elements (MDOEs) are crucial for compact optical systems but often have complex structures limiting their use.
• Existing MDOE designs can suffer from performance limitations due to their structural complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a facile method, continuous variable curve with multi-subperiods (CVCMS), for designing adjustable single-layer diffractive optical elements.
• To demonstrate the capability of CVCMS in achieving arbitrary diffraction efficiency and smooth phase profiles.
• To apply CVCMS for designing a broadband multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) optimized for far vision.

Main Methods:

• Developed the continuous variable curve with multi-subperiods (CVCMS) model for designing diffractive optical elements.
• Analyzed the model to achieve arbitrary diffraction efficiency and a smooth continuous phase profile.
• Designed and simulated a broadband multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) using the CVCMS method.

Main Results:

• The CVCMS method allows for arbitrary diffraction efficiency distribution with improved phase profile smoothness.
• A designed multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) demonstrated optimized far focal point performance.
• Comparative analysis showed CVCMS outperforms other MDOE design techniques in performance and profile smoothness.

Conclusions:

• The CVCMS method offers a flexible and effective approach for designing advanced multifocal diffractive optical elements.
• The proposed technique is suitable for developing next-generation multifocal ophthalmic lenses.
• CVCMS provides a superior alternative for MDOE design, enhancing optical system capabilities.