Optical: systems and elements – Diffraction – From grating
Patent
1997-09-25
1999-10-19
Nguyen, Thong
Optical: systems and elements
Diffraction
From grating
359573, 359574, 359575, 359565, G02B 518
Patent
active
059698640
ABSTRACT:
A kinoform optical element (KOE) has different surface relief heights in different zones of the kinoform surface, in order to optimize the first order diffraction efficiency in each zone. By increasing the first order diffraction efficiency, noise as well as ghost image problems may be reduced and contrast and resolution may be enhanced. In an exemplary embodiment, each zone, or even different areas of the same zone, has a non-constant step height that is preferably defined by a predetermined relationship between an optimal step height and an associated predominant angle of incidence associated with that particular zone or area. In the case of an optical system having a relatively large aperture and a relatively narrow field of view, each point of the KOE sees the entire image; the associated predominant angle of incidence at that point may be defined by a so-called "marginal" ray from the center of the entire image space (i.e., on the optical axis and at the effective "middle" of the usable depth of field). In the case of an optical system having a relatively small aperture and a relatively wide field of view , each point of the KOE sees only a portion of the image; the associated predominant angle of incidence at that point may be defined by an exemplary ray from the portion of the image space that is visible from that point. Since the optimum surface relief is dependent on the angle of incidence of the radiation relative to the orientation of the surface, diffraction efficiency can also be optimized by providing the kinoform with a non-planar surface contour such that all the predominant rays are normal to the active surface, in which case all the steps may have the same height.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5227915 (1993-07-01), Grossinger et al.
patent: 5446565 (1995-08-01), Komma et al.
Applied Optics, Aug., 1970, vol. 9, No. 8, "Kinoform Lenses" By J.A. Jordan, Jr., et al.
Infrared Application of Diffractive Optical Elements, pp. 7-14, by Gary J. Swanson, et al.
Critical Reviews vol. CR49, Diffractive and Miniaturized Optics, Imagining by diffraction: grating design and hardware results pp. 77-97, By C.W. Chen, et al.
Binary Optics Technology: Theoretical Limits on the Diffraction Efficiency of Multilevel Diffractive Optical Elements, By G. J. Swanson, Mar. 1991, 10 pages.
Capps David M.
Chen Chungte W.
Alkov Leonard A.
Curtis Craig
Lenzen, Jr. Glenn H.
Nguyen Thong
Raufer Colin M.
LandOfFree
Variable surface relief kinoform optical element does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Variable surface relief kinoform optical element, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Variable surface relief kinoform optical element will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2063569