Vectorial design of super-oscillatory lens

A design and optimization method based on vectorial angular spectrum theory is proposed in this paper for the vectorial design of a super-oscillatory lens (SOL), so that the radially polarized vector beam can be tightly focused. The structure of a SOL is optimized using genetic algorithm and the computational process is accelerated using fast Hankel transform algorithm. The optimized results agree well with what is obtained using the vectorial Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction integral. For an oil immersed SOL, a subwavelength focal spot of about 0.25 illumination wavelength without any significant side lobe can be created at a distance of 184.86 mu m away from a large SOL with a diameter of 1mm. The proposed vectorial design method can be used to efficiently design a SOL of arbitrary size illuminated by various vector beams, with the subwavelength hotspot located in a post-evanescent observation plane. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America