Analysis of the influence of antireflective coatings on the diffraction efficiency of diffractive optical elements

Abstract

Diffractive optical elements (DOEs) may be used as a single optical component with dedicated functionality (e.g. focusing), or as one of the elements in complex hybrid optical systems to reduce the number of the elements and improve imaging quality. It is desirable to cover DOE’s surface with antireflective coating. In this paper, we show the results of simulations using the Fourier modal method and measure the efficiency of a diffractive lens with antireflective (AR) coating. Results were compared with a previously proposed model of AR covered DOE by Mao et al. [ Opt. Express 25 , 11673 ( 2017 ) 10.1364/OE.25.011673 ]. Contrary to the previously published model, we have not observed a shift of the efficiency curve. Our findings prove that AR coatings improve the efficiency of DOEs and it is not necessary to take them into account when calculating optimal profile height.