Understanding Diffractive Optics

Level: Introductory Length: 7 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: This material is intended for engineers, scientists, college students, and photonics enthusiasts who would like to broaden their knowledge and understanding of diffractive optics, as well as to learn the numerous practical applications of diffractive optical components in modern optical instruments. Description: The course covers the fundamental principles of diffraction phenomena. It also includes numerous applications of diffractive components in optical and photonics systems, and covers recent developments and trends in the field, Attendees will be presented with optical field distributions and graphs to develop a qualitative understanding of diffraction and to establish the basis for fundamental relations and important trends. Attendees will also learn the important terminology employed in the field of diffractive optics. A comprehensive overview of the main types of diffractive optical components will be provided, including phase plates, diffraction gratings, binary optics, diffractive kinoforms, stepped-diffractive surfaces, holographic optical elements, meta-optics, and photonic crystals. Based on practical examples presented by the instructor, attendees will learn the benefit of incorporating diffractive optical components in optical and photonics instruments, such as augmented and virtual reality displays, optical data storage devices, imaging optics, optical tweezers, photonic sensors, and laser systems. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - compare the benefits and limitations of diffractive components - learn about the recent developments and trends in meta-optics and sub-wavelength structures - describe diffraction phenomena associated with the propagation of laser beams - explain the fundamentals of diffraction, including Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, the Talbot effect, apodization, diffraction by multiple apertures, and superresolution phenomena - distinguish the various functions performed by diffractive optics components in optical systems - compare the major techniques for fabricating diffractive optics - describe the operational principles of the major types of diffractive optical components in the scalar and resonant domains, the diffraction efficiency, and the blazing condition - explain terminology in the field of diffractive optics Instructor(s): Yakov G. Soskind is a renowned expert in physical optics and photonics instrumentation development. During his career, Dr. Soskind has made extensive contributions in the areas of diffractive optics and nano-photonics, optical engineering, laser beam shaping, fiber-optics, imaging, and illumination. He is a founding chair of the Photonic Instrumentation Engineering conference, an annual conference at OPTO/Photonics West, providing an interdisciplinary forum for engineers and scientists to present their ideas, designs, case studies, and success stories in the field of photonic instrumentation. Dr. Soskind is the author of the Field Guide to Diffractive Optics (SPIE Press, 2011) and has been awarded more than 30 domestic and international patents in the field of photonics. Event: SPIE Photonics West 2017 Course Held: 29 January 2017