Effects of stray light in refractive/diffractive imaging system

Correlation between computational models and corresponding experimental data of stray light produced by unwanted diffraction orders of diffractive lenses is described. In a second part, the impact of unwanted diffraction orders when diffractive optics is used in imaging systems is discussed. Several experimental observations about the use of plastic refractive/diffractive lens in relation to different fabrication process used to build the lens are also discussed. From those observations, we recommend an approach to reduce the stray light produced by the diffractive lens. In conclusion, a serious stray light analysis is mandatory in the design of visible imaging systems using diffractive lenses.