Stratified volume diffractive elements: modeling and applications

Abstract

We investigated a new type of optical element: volume diffractive optical element (VDOE). The uniqueness of the VDOE approach lies in the fact that it can exhibit a high diffraction efficiency (indigenous to a volume holographic optical element (HOE), while sporting a multi-diffractive layer structure amenable to standard lithographic manufacturing techniques. Computer design flexibility and the capability of effecting an arbitrary phase function in a VDOE provide a number of potential applications for these optical elements. Specifically, space telescope and image multiplication are discussed. Our theoretical modeling of the VDOE utilizes the rigorous coupled wave theory, which allows us to introduce an arbitrary VDOE/spacer layer thicknesses, grating slant angles, wavelengths, and incident angles. In addition, our model can simulate a multi-layer phase shifted VDOE structure (important in simulating HOE structures by a multi-layer VDOE design).