Laser mirrors in which the phase of the reflected wave front is variable over the surface of the optical element

摘要

This paper discusses the formation of the wave front of a reflected wave as a function of the character of the thickness distribution of the layers included in laser mirrors. It is shown that, if the thickness of the layers decreases from the center to the edge, a divergent or convergent wave is formed whose radius of curvature is determined by the number, refractive indices, and thicknesses of the layers, as well as by the thickness distribution of the dielectric layer(s) over the surface of the optical element and the number of gradient layers that form the reflecting coating. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.