Implementing Curved Fresnel Zone Plates: Analysis and Efficiency

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    Fresnel Plates
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The discussion focuses on the implementation of Fresnel zone plates on curved surfaces, specifically for applications like contact lenses to focus light from a plane wave. Participants explore the necessary calculations for achieving the desired focal point and the impact of the tear film on optical performance. The tear film's effect is acknowledged, with insights on how it can be corrected through lens design. Clarifications are made regarding the smoothness of the Fresnel lens surface and the distinction between Fresnel lenses and zone plates. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the complexities of integrating Fresnel zone plates into optical devices like contact lenses.
HEM87
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Hi there,

I'm wondering if anyone has any analysis or sources to help me understand how a Fresnel zone plate can be implemented on a curved surface, and the corresponding diffractive efficiency and focal length??

Thanks!
 
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That's an odd question. Is there a specific application you have in mind?
 
What are the plates supposed to achieve? Focus light? From a plane wave? Simply take the points on your curved surface that have a distance d to the focal point f that has fulfills
d \in \left[ \frac{(4n-1)\pi}{2 \lambda } ,\frac{(4n+1)\pi }{2 \lambda } \right], n \in \mathbb{N}
This will produce your Fresnell pattern. All light going through these points can interfere constructively in f. The complement will produce the same effect due to Babinet's principle.
 
Hi,

I'm curious about using Fresbel zone plates implemented on contact lenses (RGP) for an alternative method of focusing.

So yes, I'm looking to focus light at a certain point from a plane wave, thanks deadbeef, that's useful!
 
HEM87 said:
Hi,

I'm curious about using Fresbel zone plates implemented on contact lenses (RGP) for an alternative method of focusing.

So yes, I'm looking to focus light at a certain point from a plane wave, thanks deadbeef, that's useful!

Wouldn't the liquid (tears) on the surface affect the optics?
 
sophiecentaur said:
Wouldn't the liquid (tears) on the surface affect the optics?

The tear film lens effect behind the lens is pretty well understood (generally giving a +0.25 D addition per 0.05 mm difference between corneal curvature and back RGP lens curvature) and can be corrected for generally by providing an intrinsic correction in the lens.
 
That makes sense.
So the front of the fresnel lens is, in fact, smooth?
 
sophiecentaur said:
That makes sense.
So the front of the fresnel lens is, in fact, smooth?

What do you mean by smooth? Planar?
 
I mean that freznel structures often have ridges in them (?). The tears would fill these up when you blink.
 
  • #10
sophiecentaur said:
I mean that freznel structures often have ridges in them (?). The tears would fill these up when you blink.

Oh yeah, it would be smooth, just a series of opaque and transparent sections on a smooth surface.
 
  • #11
sophiecentaur said:
I mean that freznel structures often have ridges in them (?). The tears would fill these up when you blink.

That's a Fresnel lens. IT is similar but not the same as the zone plates. And a Fresnel lens would really hurt your eyes.
 
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