Author: Michael A. Golub
Abstract: Recent advances in diffractive optics theory and technology have made beam splitting a valuable resource for optical designers. Programmable, multichannel optical systems can be designed based on diffraction gratings, lenslet arrays and digital holography algorithms. Spot array generation, multiple and multifocal imaging, matched filtering, laser beam mode selection and simultaneous contour shaping are among the most promising applications of diffractive beam splitting today.