Robert Brunner

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) fundamentally provide the possibility to simultaneously utilize multiple orders for different imaging functions within a system. However, to take advantage of this property, it is necessary to tailor the assignment of specific wavelengths or wavelength ranges with high diffraction efficiency to specific diffraction orders. To achieve this wavelength-selective assignment to different orders, simple diffractive profile shapes are not suitable; instead, multilayer DOEs are required. In this study, we conducted theoretical, scalar investigations on the diffraction efficiency of triple-layer double-relief DOEs for the purpose of tailored wavelength selectivity. Specific materials such as nanocomposites, layer materials, and high-refractive-index liquids with strong dispersion were included, in addition to inorganic glasses, to enable wide design freedom for wavelength selectivity across multiple orders. To simultaneously account for both positive and negative orders, specific material combinations featuring intersecting or touching dispersion curves were utilized. For various material combinations, we calculated significantly different efficiency profiles for multiple orders by varying the relief depths. Further, we discuss the possibility of fine-tuning the efficiency profiles by using high-index liquids as an intermediate layer between two solid profiles, whose dispersion properties can be varied continuously or at least in small steps.