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Extremely Compact 3D Printed Glass Ternary Diffractive Optical Element for Holographic Images
Ruilin You1, Zhihan Hong1, Jiabin Chen1
1Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA.
Advanced Optical Materials
|August 25, 2025
Summary
We developed novel 3D-printed glass holographic diffractive optical elements (DOEs) using a ternary phase design. This approach suppresses twin images and enhances durability for compact AR/VR and data storage applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Compact holographic structures are crucial for augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR) and optical data storage.
- Existing methods face trade-offs between size, image quality, and fabrication complexity.
- Binary/few-level holograms suffer from twin-image artifacts; spatial light modulators (SLMs) are bulky.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel approach for fabricating compact and high-performance holographic diffractive optical elements (DOEs).
- To integrate a ternary phase design with high-resolution glass 3D printing for improved holographic performance and durability.
- To demonstrate the feasibility and advantages of 3D-printed glass DOEs over existing technologies.
Main Methods:
- Designed holographic diffractive optical elements (DOEs) using a ternary phase approach to minimize quantization and suppress twin images.
- Fabricated glass DOEs with nanometer-scale precision utilizing high-resolution additive manufacturing (3D printing).
- Conducted comparative thermal resistance tests to evaluate the durability of glass DOEs against organic alternatives.
Main Results:
- Achieved excellent agreement between simulated and experimental holographic results for the fabricated glass DOEs.
- Demonstrated superior thermal resistance and structural integrity of glass DOEs under extreme conditions.
- Confirmed that the ternary phase design effectively balances optical performance and fabrication simplicity.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed glass DOEs offer a promising solution for compact and durable holographic applications.
- The integration of ternary phase design with glass additive manufacturing overcomes limitations of existing holographic technologies.
- Glass DOEs exhibit significant advantages in thermal resistance and mechanical durability, outperforming organic materials.
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