Kinoforms. Technology, new components, and optical systems

In the present paper we describe some methods and approaches for producing kinoform elements of arbitary topology and profile. We also report studies of new materials for producing the masking coatings of templates. The emphasis is on generalized zone plates, for which the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of the caustic near the focus are not related in such a rigid fashion as they are for a well-corrected objective. Several new optical components having a transformed caustic have been synthesized. Among them are an axicon, combined with a lens or Siemens plate; a lens with an increased depth of focus; and raster scales with diffraction gradations which make it possible to achieve cross optical linkages. These elements combine the functions of two or more components and make it possible to substantially simplify the layout of the optical instrument. In the practical part of this paper, we report the results of study of several layouts of new instruments with diffraction elements.