difraktive

Diffractive refers to phenomena or optical elements related to diffraction. Diffraction is the bending of waves, such as light or sound, as they pass around an obstacle or through an opening. This bending causes the waves to spread out and interfere with each other, creating patterns of constructive and destructive interference.

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) are optical components that use diffraction to shape or manipulate light. Unlike refractive or reflective optics that rely on the curvature of surfaces, DOEs employ precisely engineered diffraction gratings or patterns to control the wavefront of light. These patterns can be designed to focus light, split a beam, create specific intensity distributions, or even perform complex optical functions.

The design of DOEs often involves diffractive optical element design software and fabrication techniques such as photolithography or electron-beam lithography. Their applications are diverse, including in barcode scanners, optical pickups for CD/DVD players, beam shapers for lasers, and in advanced optical systems for microscopy and telecommunications. The ability to achieve complex optical functions with a single, flat element makes diffractive optics a valuable technology in modern optics.