Adaptive focal lengths in white light focusing Fresnel lenses enabled by reflective-type and phase-only spatial light modulator

Fresnel zone plates (FZPs) are widely used in integrated optical systems to meet new cutting-edge demands for photonic integration and device miniaturizing. However, their use in applications of cross-scale fabrication still faces several obstacles, such as low efficiency, fixed focal length, single wavelength, large size, and complicated fabrication. Here, we first examine a novel adaptive focal length in white light focusing by using reflective-type and phase-only spatial light modulator (RLC-SLM) based on a liquid crystal on silicon. The device achieves a maximum diffraction efficiency of approximately 38% at primary focal points of binary phase-type FZPs throughout the visible range (red, green, and blue wavelengths). The RLC-SLM focuses the light of the desired wavelength while other sources are defocused. White light focusing and color separation are demonstrated by sequentially and additively switching different FZPs. These recent advances show that optically tunable FRZs are promising potential candidates to enhance adaptive camera systems, microscopes, holograms, and portable and wearable devices, thereby opening up novel possibilities in optical communications and sensing.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of reflective phase-only spatial light modulator (RLC-SLM) to achieve white light focusing and color separation with high diffraction efficiency in the visible range. These recent advances open up new possibilities for adaptive camera systems, microscopes, holograms, and portable and wearable devices.