New applications of optics from modern computer design methods

This paper describes the impact of modern optimization algorithms on the design of a wide range of diffractive optical elements. New levels of integration of device function are made possible - combining several optical operations within one element. This integration of function points towards the sort of devices that will be available to the system designer of the future. These new elements could have a massive impact on the optical technology likely to be used in a number of different applications within a telecommunications network.