Abstract

Binary optics is a new diffractive optics technology that uses computer generated designs of microscopic surface relief patterns and VLSI circuit etching technology to create novel optical devices and provide design freedom and new materials choices for conventional refractive optical elements. A single etching step produces a two-level surface relief, therefore the name binary optics. Many highly efficient diffractive optical elements have been made including lenses, prisms, beam spiitters, beam multiplexes, filters, and microlenses.

© 1989 Optical Society of America