title: Multiwavelength operation with thin diffractive elements.
abstract: It is generally accepted that diffractive elements designed for multiwavelength operation require deep surface-relief profiles. We show, however, that thin diffractive elements can be designed to operate with more than one wavelength. A novel, to our knowledge, optimization technique is introduced for this purpose. The maximum phase delay is limited to only a few multiples of 2pi, and the element can implement different functions for different wavelengths. Examples with fan-out gratings are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Rochester Photonics Corporation, 330 Clay Road, Rochester, New York 14623, USA. tsales@rphotonics.com
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Sales
authors.forename: D H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Raguin