3,643 research outputs found
Takagi-Taupin Description of X-ray Dynamical Diffraction from Diffractive Optics with Large Numerical Aperture
We present a formalism of x-ray dynamical diffraction from volume diffractive
optics with large numerical aperture and high aspect ratio, in an analogy to
the Takagi-Taupin equations for strained single crystals. We derive a set of
basic equations for dynamical diffraction from volume diffractive optics, which
enable us to study the focusing property of these optics with various grating
profiles. We study volume diffractive optics that satisfy the Bragg condition
to various degrees, namely flat, tilted and wedged geometries, and derive the
curved geometries required for ultimate focusing. We show that the curved
geometries satisfy the Bragg condition everywhere and phase requirement for
point focusing, and effectively focus hard x-rays to a scale close to the
wavelength.Comment: 18 pages, 12 figure
Diffractive optics approach towards subwavelength pixels
Pixel size in cameras and other refractive imaging devices is typically
limited by the free-space diffraction. However, a vast majority of
semiconductor-based detectors are based on materials with substantially high
refractive index. We demonstrate that diffractive optics can be used to take
advantage of this high refractive index to reduce effective pixel size of the
sensors below free-space diffraction limit. At the same time, diffractive
systems encode both amplitude and phase information about the incoming beam
into multiple pixels, offering the platform for noise-tolerant imaging with
dynamical refocusing. We explore the opportunities opened by high index
diffractive optics to reduce sensor size and increase signal-to-noise ratio of
imaging structures.Comment: submitted to SPIE-DCS 201
Diffractive Optics for Gravitational Wave Detectors
All-reflective interferometry based on nano-structured diffraction gratings
offers new possibilities for gravitational wave detection. We investigate an
all-reflective Fabry-Perot interferometer concept in 2nd order Littrow mount.
The input-output relations for such a resonator are derived treating the
grating coupler by means of a scattering matrix formalism. A low loss
dielectric reflection grating has been designed and manufactured to test the
properties of such a grating cavity
Diffractive optics fabricated by direct write methods with an electron beam
State-of-the-art diffractive optics are fabricated using e-beam lithography and dry etching techniques to achieve multilevel phase elements with very high diffraction efficiencies. One of the major challenges encountered in fabricating diffractive optics is the small feature size (e.g. for diffractive lenses with small f-number). It is not only the e-beam system which dictates the feature size limitations, but also the alignment systems (mask aligner) and the materials (e-beam and photo resists). In order to allow diffractive optics to be used in new optoelectronic systems, it is necessary not only to fabricate elements with small feature sizes but also to do so in an economical fashion. Since price of a multilevel diffractive optical element is closely related to the e-beam writing time and the number of etching steps, we need to decrease the writing time and etching steps without affecting the quality of the element. To do this one has to utilize the full potentials of the e-beam writing system. In this paper, we will present three diffractive optics fabrication techniques which will reduce the number of process steps, the writing time, and the overall fabrication time for multilevel phase diffractive optics
Multiplication and division of the orbital angular momentum of light with diffractive transformation optics
We present a method to efficiently multiply or divide the orbital angular
momentum (OAM) of light beams using a sequence of two optical elements. The
key-element is represented by an optical transformation mapping the azimuthal
phase gradient of the input OAM beam onto a circular sector. By combining
multiple circular-sector transformations into a single optical element, it is
possible to perform the multiplication of the value of the input OAM state by
splitting and mapping the phase onto complementary circular sectors.
Conversely, by combining multiple inverse transformations, the division of the
initial OAM value is achievable, by mapping distinct complementary circular
sectors of the input beam into an equal number of circular phase gradients. The
optical elements have been fabricated in the form of phase-only diffractive
optics with high-resolution electron-beam lithography. Optical tests confirm
the capability of the multiplier optics to perform integer multiplication of
the input OAM, while the designed dividers are demonstrated to correctly split
up the input beam into a complementary set of OAM beams. These elements can
find applications for the multiplicative generation of higher-order OAM modes,
optical information processing based on OAM-beams transmission, and optical
routing/switching in telecom.Comment: 28 pages, 10 figure
Very High Resolution Solar X-ray Imaging Using Diffractive Optics
This paper describes the development of X-ray diffractive optics for imaging
solar flares with better than 0.1 arcsec angular resolution. X-ray images with
this resolution of the \geq10 MK plasma in solar active regions and solar
flares would allow the cross-sectional area of magnetic loops to be resolved
and the coronal flare energy release region itself to be probed. The objective
of this work is to obtain X-ray images in the iron-line complex at 6.7 keV
observed during solar flares with an angular resolution as fine as 0.1 arcsec -
over an order of magnitude finer than is now possible. This line emission is
from highly ionized iron atoms, primarily Fe xxv, in the hottest flare plasma
at temperatures in excess of \approx10 MK. It provides information on the flare
morphology, the iron abundance, and the distribution of the hot plasma.
Studying how this plasma is heated to such high temperatures in such short
times during solar flares is of critical importance in understanding these
powerful transient events, one of the major objectives of solar physics. We
describe the design, fabrication, and testing of phase zone plate X-ray lenses
with focal lengths of \approx100 m at these energies that would be capable of
achieving these objectives. We show how such lenses could be included on a
two-spacecraft formation-flying mission with the lenses on the spacecraft
closest to the Sun and an X-ray imaging array on the second spacecraft in the
focal plane \approx100 m away. High resolution X-ray images could be obtained
when the two spacecraft are aligned with the region of interest on the Sun.
Requirements and constraints for the control of the two spacecraft are
discussed together with the overall feasibility of such a formation-flying
mission
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