Hybrid refractive-diffractive-gradient-index superresolving focusing device.

The focusing properties and resolving power of a device consisting of a tapered gradient-index (GRIN) lens with spherical input and output faces are investigated through the use of the ABCD formalism to achieve minimization of the Airy radius for the device. Diffractive elements, such as zone plates, can, with an appropriate choice of their parameters, increase the resolution of an imaging system compared with a conventional lens. We demonstrate that by combining both elements a hybrid refractive-diffractive-GRIN device can be designed that exhibits improved superresolution characteristics.

Focusing of light by zone plates in Selfoc gradient-index lenses.

We study the diffraction fields in a hybrid diffractive-gradient-index element composed of an amplitude zone plate and a quarter-pitch Selfoc gradient-index lens under uniform illumination. Focal positions of the diffractive orders and zone-plate diffraction efficiencies are measured, thereby validating the existing theoretical results.

Fresnel zones in tapered gradient-index media.

The free propagation of a wave front in an inhomogeneous medium with parabolic refractive-index profile and the division of the wave front into Fresnel zones are studied. We determine the radius and the area of each zone as well as the zone contribution to the total wave at an observation point inside the medium. We find the condition that the optical path must fulfill from each zone to that point so that the disturbance due to successive zones will be in phase opposition.