Towards a metasurface adapted to hyperspectral imaging applications: from subwavelength design to definition of optical properties.

We numerically demonstrate the capability of a single metasurface to simultaneously separate and focus spectral features in accordance with the specifications of a pushbroom hyperspectral imager. This is achieved through the dispersion engineering of a library of two-level TiO2 nano-elements. Sommerfeld integrals are used to confirm our numerical simulations provided by our solver based on Fourier modal method. As a proof of concept, a metasurface with a 175 µm diameter is designed to be compatible with hyperspectral imaging over a spectral range of ± 50 nm around 650 nm with a spectral resolution of 8.5 nm and a field of view of 8° around the normal incidence (angular resolution of 0.2°).

Gallium-nitride-based plasmonic multilayer operating at 1.55 µm.

In this Letter, we have designed and fabricated a III-V semiconductor multilayer based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) operating at the telecom wavelength. Optimization of the optogeometrical parameters and the metal/semiconductor layers required for this novel structure was conducted accurately by theoretical tools using the Maxwell equations. Technological fabrication of the device and its experimental characterizations using an evanescent coupling configuration was performed: the results have confirmed the existence of SPR associated to a sharp width response. This study could be a first step in the design of new plasmonic-semiconductor-based optical devices such as modulators and switches.

Real-time increase in depth of field of an uncooled thermal camera using several phase-mask technologies.

Imaging systems that combine a phase mask in the pupil and digital postprocessing may have better performance than conventional ones. We have built such a system to enhance the depth of field of an uncooled thermal camera. The phase masks are binary, their structures are optimized thanks to an image quality criterion, and they have been realized with three different technologies that give equivalent results. The deconvolution postprocessing is performed in real time with a graphics processing unit. A significant increase of the depth of field of a factor 3 has been obtained.

Design and optimization of a high-efficiency array generator in the mid-IR with binary subwavelength grooves.

We have designed a high-efficiency array generator composed of subwavelength grooves etched in a GaAs substrate for operation at 4.5 µm. The method used combines rigorous coupled wave analysis with an optimization algorithm. The optimized beam splitter has both a high efficiency (∼96%) and a good intensity uniformity (∼0.2%). The fabrication error tolerances are numerically calculated, and it is shown that this subwavelength array generator could be fabricated with current electron beam writers and inductively coupled plasma etching. Finally, we studied the effect of a simple and realistic antireflection coating on the performance of the beam splitter.

Comparison of depth-of-focus-enhancing pupil masks based on a signal-to-noise-ratio criterion after deconvolution.

We consider optimization of hybrid imaging systems including a pupil mask for enhancing the depth of field and a digital deconvolution step. In a previous paper [Opt. Lett. 34, 2970 (2009)] we proposed an optimization criterion based on the signal-to-noise ratio of the restored image. We use this criterion in order to optimize different families of phase or amplitude masks and to compare them, on an objective basis, for different desired defocus ranges. We show that increasing the number of parameters of the masks allows one to obtain better performance.

Increase in depth of field taking into account deconvolution by optimization of pupil mask.

We consider optimization of hybrid imaging systems including a phase mask for enhancing the depth of field and a digital deconvolution step. We propose an image quality criterion that takes into account the variability of the system's point-spread function along the expected defocus range and the noise enhancement induced by deconvolution. Considering the classical cubic phase mask as an example, we show that the optimization of this criterion may lead to filter parameters that are significantly different from those usually proposed to ensure the strict invariance of the PSF.

Design of a complex filter for depth of focus extension.

Different methods such as axilens and binary-phase filter have been investigated to improve the depth of focus. A method is proposed to calculate an amplitude-phase pupil filter and obtain the desired distribution of intensity along the optical axis. It produces a narrow spot with a uniform intensity level over a large depth of focus, comparable to the performance obtainable with binary-phase filters. This filter is of particular interest for applications where very low intensity fluctuations along the focus range are required.

Superresolution along extended depth of focus with binary-phase filters for the Gaussian beam.

In the paraxial Debye regime, simple and power-efficient pupil filters are designed to break the diffraction limit along a large depth of focus (DOF) for the Gaussian beam. Dependences of the superresolution factor, DOF gain, Strehl ratio, sidelobe strength, and axial intensity nonuniformity on the Gaussian profile in the pupil plane are characterized using the numerical method. Optimal filter designs are proposed for either high-resolution or ultra-large-DOF applications followed by experimental verifications.

Analysis of blazed diffractive optical elements formed with artificial dielectrics.

A new hybrid method for the analysis of diffractive optical elements, which combines fully vectorial and scalar theories, is presented. It is suitable for use with elements of arbitrary large zone, even when the local feature size is of the order of the wavelength. To assess its applicability, we have performed cross-checking tests. The model is shown to accurately predict many optical properties of diffractive optical elements based on two-dimensional artificial dielectrics, like the useful energy diffracted into the order of interest or the deterministic loss into high diffraction orders for an illumination with a wavelength different from the design wavelength or for highly oblique incidence.

Programmable focal spot shaping of amplified femtosecond laser pulses.

We describe the programmable spatial beam shaping of 100-kHz, 4-microJ amplified femtosecond pulses in a focal plane by wave-front modulation. Phase distributions are determined by a numerical iterative procedure. A nonpixelated optically addressed liquid-crystal light valve is used as a programmable wave-front tailoring device. Top-hat, doughnut, square, and triangle shapes of 20-microm size are obtained in a focal plane. Their suitability for femtosecond laser machining is demonstrated.