초록 ▼

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 c

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A kinoform optical element comprisingan external surface, anda plurality of adjacent zones defined on the external surface to diffract waves of electromagnetic radiation,wherein:each zone has a maximum relief portion and a minimum relief portion relative to the external surface;the

[ We claim:] [1.] A kinoform optical element comprisingan external surface, anda plurality of adjacent zones defined on the external surface to diffract waves of electromagnetic radiation,wherein:each zone has a maximum relief portion and a minimum relief portion relative to the external surface;the difference between the maximum relief portion and the minimum relief portion of a given zone measured in a direction normal to the external surface defines a maximum relief height for that zone;the radiation incident on each zone has a respective predominant orientation which varies from zone to zone with respect to a common optical axis; andthe maximum relief height for each zone varies from one zone to the next to provide maximum first order diffraction efficiency for radiation having said respective predominant orientation.