Abstract
In this work a three-dimensional diffusion model is used to model photopolymers as a recording media. This model allows us to predict the properties of the Diffractive Optical Elements (DOEs) once we recorded into the photopolymer. This model had never been tested with more complex elements, such as multifocal diffractive lenses, as presented in the following in this work. In addition, the model includes; the estimation of the refractive index modulation, the low-pass filtering effect due to the experimental optical setup, and the evolution of the transverse intensity distribution. In this way, the selection of the appropriate material characteristics depending on the intended DOE application is made possible. Specifically, an acrylamide-based PVA/AA photopolymer is simulated using the proposed model. Moreover, coverplating and index matching systems are considered together to avoid the effects of thickness variation. Furthermore, in order to compare their properties using the proposed model, we focus on Fibonacci lenses (FL), a type of bifocal lenses. This allows us to evaluate the dependence of the focii intensity on the polymerisation rate, the diffusivity parameter, low-pass filtering effect and the use of the index matching system for these lenses. This enables us to know the recording parameters in order to produce this type of multifocal diffractive lenses with higher quality and precision.