We present a new phase element which has the same optical properties as those of the amplitude sampling filter but it can use theoretically all the incident light for multiple image formation. The paper discusses a design method of the element and a diffraction efficiency of its structure obtained in a lithographic process. Then the quality and imaging ability of a phase element, fabricated according to the described design, are verified in an optical set-up. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.