Abstract

Coherent illumination enables not only integrated optics, but also miniaturized free-space optics that takes advantage of the amplitude and phase control afforded by optical microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and photonic crystals. These technologies also provide a practical and cost-effective means for integration and packaging of optical systems. The properties of miniaturized optical systems based on optical MEMS and photonic crystals are described, and efficient analysis and design approaches to miniaturized optical scanners and tunable diffractive optical elements are demonstrated. The impact of photonic crystals on free-space micro-optics is discussed.

© 2010 Optical Society of America

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