Laser direct writing

Diffractive optics are compact and flexible optical elements with attractive properties that conventional refractive or reflective surfaces cannot deliver. While their fabrication is still challenging, the developments over the past years in both replication and mastering have advanced their application in fields like illumination shaping, metrology, laser beam forming, polarization shaping or fraud protection. A powerful tool for mastering is the technology of laser direct writing, initially developed for applications like mask production for lithography or mastering for optical data storage. In this contribution we present recent developments in laser direct writing technology for diffractive optics.