An optical pattern generator characterized by comprising: an array of light emitting elements, wherein the light emitting elements are VCSELs; and a hybrid optical assembly for optical pattern projection; wherein the hybrid optical assembly comprises: a first transmissive substrate composed of clear borosilicate glass; a first aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a first side of the first clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; a second hybrid diffractive/refractive lens composed of epoxy disposed on a second, opposite side of the first clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; a second transmissive substrate composed of clear borosilicate glass, separated from the first transmissive substrate; a third aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a first side of the second clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; and a fourth aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a second, opposite side of the second clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; wherein the third aspherical lens faces the second hybrid diffractive/refractive lens; whereby the output of the hybrid optical assembly exhibits substantial stability over a temperature range of 20°C - 100°C; wherein the array of light emitting elements is disposed such that the fourth aspherical lens is closest to the array and the first aspherical lens is furthest from the array; wherein the array of light emitting elements is disposed such that light generated by the light emitting elements passes through the fourth lens, the third lens, the second lens and the first lens of the hybrid optical assembly, in that order, so as to project a pattern of optical dots corresponding to the arrangement of the light emitting elements. an array of light emitting elements, wherein the light emitting elements are VCSELs; and a hybrid optical assembly for optical pattern projection; wherein the hybrid optical assembly comprises: a first transmissive substrate composed of clear borosilicate glass; a first aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a first side of the first clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; a second hybrid diffractive/refractive lens composed of epoxy disposed on a second, opposite side of the first clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; a second transmissive substrate composed of clear borosilicate glass, separated from the first transmissive substrate; a third aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a first side of the second clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; and a fourth aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a second, opposite side of the second clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; wherein the third aspherical lens faces the second hybrid diffractive/refractive lens; whereby the output of the hybrid optical assembly exhibits substantial stability over a temperature range of 20°C - 100°C; wherein the array of light emitting elements is disposed such that the fourth aspherical lens is closest to the array and the first aspherical lens is furthest from the array; wherein the array of light emitting elements is disposed such that light generated by the light emitting elements passes through the fourth lens, the third lens, the second lens and the first lens of the hybrid optical assembly, in that order, so as to project a pattern of optical dots corresponding to the arrangement of the light emitting elements. a first transmissive substrate composed of clear borosilicate glass; a first aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a first side of the first clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; a second hybrid diffractive/refractive lens composed of epoxy disposed on a second, opposite side of the first clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; a second transmissive substrate composed of clear borosilicate glass, separated from the first transmissive substrate; a third aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a first side of the second clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; and a fourth aspherical lens composed of epoxy disposed on a second, opposite side of the second clear borosilicate glass transmissive substrate; wherein the third aspherical lens faces the second hybrid diffractive/refractive lens; whereby the output of the hybrid optical assembly exhibits substantial stability over a temperature range of 20°C - 100°C; wherein the array of light emitting elements is disposed such that the fourth aspherical lens is closest to the array and the first aspherical lens is furthest from the array; wherein the array of light emitting elements is disposed such that light generated by the light emitting elements passes through the fourth lens, the third lens, the second lens and the first lens of the hybrid optical assembly, in that order, so as to project a pattern of optical dots corresponding to the arrangement of the light emitting elements.