Diffractive-corrected focusing lens

Our single diffractive-corrected focusing lens demonstrates unusually high performance previously expected only from multiple-lens objective. The lens is fabricated by etching an aberrations-correction diffractive microrelief pattern on the plane side of a bulky spherical plano-convex lens. Diffractive microrelief pattern results in a diffraction-limited spot-size demonstrating a sharp focusing effect even for relatively large focal lengths. Dramatic increase in power densities in focal spot of the diffractive-corrected focusing lens makes it a cost-effective substitute to conventional lenses for CO2 lasers. Unmatched freedom is offered to the designer of high-power laser machines regarding the trade-offs between the focal length, sharp focusing, thermal effects and longer life of the lens.