Patent ID: 6842285
Filing Date: 2005-01-11
Classification: G02B,G03H,G06E

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a phase-modulated wave front of electromagnetic radiation comprising the steps of: providing an input wave front of electromagnetic radiation, E(x,y), performing a spatial amplitude modulation α(x,y) on the input wave front to generate a spatial amplitude distribution a(x,y) in the electromagnetic radiation in a plane transverse to a direction of propagation of the electromagnetic radiation, Fourier or Fresnel transforming the amplitude-modulated wave front a(x,y) to form a Fourier or Fresnel distribution of the amplitude-modulated wave front ã(f filtering the Fourier or Fresnel distribution by phase shifting one or more first components in relation to one or more second components of the Fourier or Fresnel distribution ã(f inverse Fourier or inverse Fresnel transforming the filtered electromagnetic radiation whereby a phase-modulated wave front o(x′,y′) is formed, said phase-modulated wave front being a function of at least the input wave front E(x,y), the amplitude modulation α(x,y), and the filter function H(f