Optical Design

Diffraction International has over 15 years experience in using CGHs as diffractive null lenses.

We use OSLO SIX from Sinclair Optics, Inc. as our primary optical design software. This is because of OSLO´s versatility in modeling diffractive and aspheric surfaces and, especially, its compiled programming language (CCL). We have developed extensive proprietary CCL extensions to OSLO which enable us to rapidly design, analyze and document aspheric null test configurations.

We also use CODE V from Optical Research Associates, Inc. and ZEMAX-EE from Focus Software, Inc. We maintain these licenses so that we can better exchange optical design data with our several customers who prefer these tools. Neither Code V nor ZEMAX is used by us for optical design. However, we do understand them well enough to have written OSLO CCL extensions which export ZEMAX lens files and Code V sequence files—and to verify these translations.

Opto-Mechanical Design
We use AutoCAD R14 from Autodesk Corporation, including Mechanical Desktop for parametric solid modeling and rendering.

CGH Encoding Software—HoloMask
HoloMask is our proprietary CGH encoding software. It has evolved over several years and is capable of accepting virtually any CGH phase function prescription and aperture shape. When required, we can even link to customer supplied code to define a phase function.

HoloMask produces data in native MEBES format for writing by an e-beam lithography system. We thus avoid the artifacts and uncertainties of translating from GDS or other CAD formats. Our mask writing is done by a commercial photomask house, enabling us to obtain a level of accuracy and quality control not economically practicable with an inhouse, CGH-only, writing facility.

HoloMask can import AutoCAD .DXF format and export AutoCAD .DXB format. This is useful for incorporating non-CGH features into the MEBES data set or for producing data files to be viewed using AutoCAD. It also means we can likely produce a photomask from your AutoCAD data.

Manufacturing
Diffraction International works with a network of contract manufacturing partners to produce its optical and mechanical products. This approach gives us the flexibility to adapt to varying order volumes and take advantage of the most suitable manufacturing technologies while concentrating on what we do best: design and metrology. Shipment of critical work in process between physical locations is always overnight or same day.

Optical Metrology
The following is a partial listing of Diffraction International's optical metrology tools: