The synthesis of three-dimensional (3-D) light distributions is important for many applications. For example, in scanning applications it is preferable that the scanning beam preserve its characteristics over a large distance to yield elongated scanning range. It is evident that any 3-D light distribution must satisfy the wave equation or, in second-order approximation, the Fresnel diffraction formula. Thus many desirable 3-D light distributions may not be realizable. We propose a single optical element (OE) that synthesizes a physical beam within a certain 3-D region. The OE provides the optimal physical beam in comparison with a desired one in the sense of minimal mean-square error.

© 2000 Optical Society of America

[Optical Society of America ]

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