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Back to the Future of DOE Design – Part 1: Design & Rigorous Optimization of a Diffractive Beam Splitter
Back to the Future of DOE Design
Part 1:
Design & Rigorous Optimization of a Diffractive Beam Splitter
In the first part of our series on diffractive optical elements (DOEs) we would like to turn our attention to diffractive beam splitters which, in contrast to other DOEs like beam shapers and diffusers, are desired to generate a uniform discrete pattern. Because the working principle of these components is based on diffraction of the incident light by these patterned surfaces, DOE beam shapers and beam splitters can be designed to be much thinner and lighter than their refractive counterparts, but the small structure sizes required make them difficult and resource-intensive to simulate.
In this field, the fast, accurate and flexible simulation and design algorithms of VirtualLab Fusion play to their strengths: the advantages of different solvers like the Thin Element Approximation (TEA), Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) and Fourier techniques for free-space propagation are combined to allow optical engineers to not just design the elements, but also analyze their behavior in complex systems.
As an example, we would like to present the design of a non-paraxial beamsplitter, which is further optimized by applying rigorous techniques. The document (linked below) offers a deeper look into our diffractive optical element and microstructure components.
Back to the future of DOE design
Over the next two months we return to our roots and focus on diffractive optical elements (DOEs), but without forgetting how far we have come: We put DOE modelling and design in the context of modern VirtualLab Fusion technology.
In the upcoming webinar we showcase the design and analysis of diffractive optical elements acting as a diffuser and a beam splitter respectively. To that end, we employ the iterative Fourier transform algorithm (IFTA) optimization and, afterwards, study the performance of the resulting designs in a system, using VirtualLab Fusion’s interoperability of modeling techniques.
If you are a complete beginner, or if you would like to deepen or refresh your knowledge of VirtualLab Fusion, we suggest you join our Getting Started Online Training. This course, takes place directly before our topic-specific Online Training "Design & Analysis of Diffractive Beam Splitter & Light Diffuser", where we go into detail about the basic configuration and handling of our IFTA optimization and embed this process in two real-life applications. Both courses can of course be booked in combination, if you are interested in the whole package!
Take part in the courses and see for yourself!
SPIE Photonics West + AR|VR|MR
We have reason to celebrate ! Good things come in pairs: This same year in which we commemorate our 25th company anniversary, we are also proud to announce our renewed nomination for his edition of the PRISM Award. Celebrate with us – join us at Photonics West!
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