Patent ID: 6185043
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An image pickup apparatus which forms an image of an object on an electronic image pickup device by an optical system having a diffractive optical element, said optical system comprising:a diffractive optical element; andwavelength band structure which limits a wavelength band of light entering or emerging from said diffractive optical element;wherein said diffractive optical element includes an optical member having a pattern of grooves and projections on a surface thereof, and a protective layer formed over the surface of said optical member, said protective layer being made of a material different from a material constituting said optical member,wherein said wavelength band limiting structure includes at least a part of optical elements constituting said optical system other than said diffractive optical element,wherein at least a part of optical elements included in said wavelength band limiting means is a cover glass that protects a photoelectric conversion surface of said image pickup device.