Diffractive optics for laser applications

Summary form only given, as follows. In the past ten years, diffractive optics has evolved into an important tool for the optical engineer. Significant advances in design, analysis, and fabrication technology now make it possible to utilize the unique properties of these structures in a variety of laser systems. High efficiency diffractive elements can be designed to have virtually any phase transmittance/reflectance, and possess unique polarization, antireflection, spectral, and dispersion properties. In addition, the surface relief structure of diffractive optics can be etched into a wide variety of materials, facilitating integration into existing laser systems. This tutorial reviews the properties and basic design principles of diffractive optical elements. Applications to lasers and laser systems are then reviewed, including diffractive laser resonators, microlens arrays for semiconductor lasers, beam relay optics, beam homogenizers, and computer-generated kinoforms. The potential as well as the limitations of the technology are assessed.