The Phase Fresnel Lens

TL;DR: In this paper, a phase Fresnel lens is inserted in the pupil of the optical system to deform the wave surface passing through an optical system by the amount ϕ(u,v).

Abstract: In order to deform the wave surface passing through an optical system by the amount ϕ(u,v), it is suggested that a phase Fresnel lens be inserted in the pupil of the optical system. Assuming 0⩽ϕ(u,v)

TL;DR: The key advantages of using dielectric phase-shifting elements with low optical loss and strong light confinement in the visible and near-infrared regions as BBs of flat lenses (metalenses) are discussed.

Abstract: BACKGROUND Future high-performance portable and wearable optical devices and systems with small footprints and low weights will require components with small form factors and enhanced functionality. Planar components based on diffractive optics (e.g., gratings, Fresnel lenses) and thin-film optics (e.g., dielectric filters, Bragg reflectors) have been around for decades; however, their limited functionality and difficulty of integration have been key incentives to search for better alternatives. Owing to its potential for vertical integration and marked design flexibility, metasurface-based flat optics provides a rare opportunity to overcome these challenges. The building blocks (BBs) of metasurfaces are subwavelength-spaced scatterers. By suitably adjusting their shape, size, position, and orientation with high spatial resolution, one can control the basic properties of light (phase, amplitude, polarization) and thus engineer its wavefront at will. This possibility greatly expands the frontiers of optical design by enabling multifunctional components with attendant reduction of thickness, size, and complexity. ADVANCES Recent progress in fabrication techniques and in the theory and design of metasurfaces holds promise for this new optical platform (metaoptics) to replace or complement conventional components in many applications. One major advance has been the migration to all-dielectric metasurfaces. Here, we discuss the key advantages of using dielectric phase-shifting elements with low optical loss and strong light confinement in the visible and near-infrared regions as BBs of flat lenses (metalenses). High–numerical aperture metalenses that are free of spherical aberrations have been implemented to achieve diffraction-limited focusing with subwavelength resolution, without requiring the complex shapes of aspherical lenses. Achromatic metalenses at discrete wavelengths and over a bandwidth have been realized by dispersion engineering of the phase shifters. By suitably adjusting the geometrical parameters of the latter, one can impart polarization- and wavelength-dependent phases to realize multifunctional metalenses with only one ultrathin layer. For example, polarization-sensitive flat lenses for chiral imaging and circular dichroism spectroscopy with high resolution have been realized, and off-axis metalenses with large engineered angular dispersion have been used to demonstrate miniature spectrometers. The fabrication of metalenses is straightforward and often requires one-step lithography, which can be based on high-throughput techniques such as deep-ultraviolet and nanoimprint lithography. OUTLOOK In the near future, the ability to fabricate metalenses and other metaoptical components with a planar process using the same lithographic tools for manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) will have far-reaching implications. We envision that camera modules widely employed in cell phones, laptops, and myriad applications will become thinner and easier to optically align and package, with metalenses and the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor–compatible sensor manufactured by the same foundries. The unprecedented design freedom of metalenses and other metasurface optical components will greatly expand the range of applications of micro-optics and integrated optics. We foresee a rapidly increasing density of nanoscale optical elements on metasurface-based chips, with attendant marked increases in performance and number of functionalities. Such digital optics will probably follow a Moore-like law, similar to that governing the scaling of ICs, leading to a wide range of high-volume applications.

TL;DR: In this article, a review of the recent developments in dielectric structures for shaping optical wavefronts is presented with an outlook on future potentials and challenges that need to be overcome.

Abstract: During the past few years, metasurfaces have been used to demonstrate optical elements and systems with capabilities that surpass those of conventional diffractive optics. Here, we review some of these recent developments, with a focus on dielectric structures for shaping optical wavefronts. We discuss the mechanisms for achieving steep phase gradients with high efficiency, simultaneous polarization and phase control, controlling the chromatic dispersion, and controlling the angular response. Then, we review applications in imaging, conformal optics, tunable devices, and optical systems. We conclude with an outlook on future potentials and challenges that need to be overcome.

TL;DR: In this article, phase reversal zone plates are designed for regions of the electromagnetic spectrum where the index of refraction is complex, with a real part close to 1.0, and materials with suitable optical and mechanical properties exist throughout most of the 1-800-A wavelength range for their construction.

Abstract: Phase-reversal zone plates can be designed even for regions of the electromagnetic spectrum where the index of refraction is complex, with a real part close to 1.0. These devices are superior to Fresnel zone plates both in their light collection, and in their signal-to-noise characteristics. Materials with suitable optical and mechanical properties exist throughout most of the 1–800-A wavelength range for their construction. Imperfections in fabrication, such as incorrect plate thickness, sloping zone edges, or an error in the width of alternate zones result in only moderate deterioration in optical performance.

TL;DR: In this article, a photoresist layer on an optical element substrate is exposed through the first mask and then etched, and the process is repeated for the second and subsequent masks to create a multistep configuration.

Abstract: The method utilizes high resolution lithography, mask aligning, and reactive ion etching. In particular, at least two binary amplitude masks are generated. A photoresist layer on an optical element substrate is exposed through the first mask and then etched. The process is then repeated for the second and subsequent masks to create a multistep configuration. The resulting optical element is highly efficient.

TL;DR: The ReSTOR intraocular lens presents a unique apodized diffractive design within a refractive foldable acrylic optic, which makes an unprecedented level of mulifocal optical performance available.

Abstract: The ReSTOR intraocular lens presents a unique apodized diffractive design within a refractive foldable acrylic optic, which makes an unprecedented level of mulifocal optical performance available. We describe the history and principles of diffractive optics used in the development of this refractive-diffractive IOL.