The new image of optics

Alexander G. POLESHCHUK, Voldemar P. KORONKEVICH

Classical optics is based on the laws of light reflection and refraction. Basic optical instruments are lenses, prisms, and mirrors — optical elements that reached the limit of perfection long ago. Further evolution of optics is associated with elements whose specific feature is the use of the phenomenon of light diffraction on micro and nanostructures.

Diffractive optics (which is sometimes called computer, binary, planar, or holographic optics) is the product of the era of information technologies, and it wouldn't exist without such instruments as lasers and computers: creation of diffractive microstructures requires the use of special materials and new technologies for surface shaping. In the last 200 years, opticians had learned to make only one diffractive element — diffraction grating for spectral instruments, and it was for this purpose that highly accurate mechanical engraving machines were invented, whereas equipment for production of diffractive elements with an arbitrary surface topology has appeared only now...

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