Diffractive optics have patterned surfaces that contain features approximately the size of the wavelength of light. Gratings have periodic variations that diffract light into discrete directions (orders) based on the wavelength.

Diffractive optics can be designed to manipulate light to do more than conventional optics. General Atomics Photonics Division has expertise in the design of diffractive elements and systems incorporating them.

We have developed internal codes for diffraction analysis and design and use rigorous coupled-wave theory to design resonance domain diffraction gratings. Designs include >99% theoretical efficiency dielectric gratings, gratings for high bandwidth Ti:Sapphire laser systems and gratings for telecom applications.

APEX Laser gratings are gold gratings fabricated using a precision holographic lithographic system. The grating structures are produced in a thin photoresist layer using laser interference patterns then a further layer of gold is deposited on the surface. The gratings are designed to have high efficiency and a good optical wavefront.

PINNACLE Laser gratings are multilayer dielectric gratings. These gratings have structures produced entirely in dielectric layers and are designed to have the highest possible damage threshold and enhanced optical performance. The gratings are fabricated using the same lithography system, but with the addition of a proprietary etching step using RIE.

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