Opto-electronic Hybrid System for Rapid Prototyping of Paraxial Diffractive Elements

Progress in developing and applying a young technology like diffractive optics for scientific or industrial purposes can be better supported by closely linking theory and practice. It is very helpful to validate theoretical reflections quickly by computer simulations and optical tests. However, to our knowledge, there does not yet exist a software system offering enough flexibility and comfortable handling to do extensive simulation experiments in diffractive optics. Such a system would help to concentrate on solving a given problem like the design of a diffractive element (DE) with a specific function.