Dynamic focusing lens for volume optical memory applications

We present the design, implementation and performance of a holographic dynamic focusing lens (HDFL). This device was developed to focus a 2D array of point sources to any of the many discrete planes inside the volume memory material. The lens utilizes two components: a spatial light modulator (SLM) as an active element which allows fast switching (≈ 1 μsec), and a diffractive optical element which allows for high SBP. The unique design feature of this device is that the resolution of the lens is not dependent on the resolution of the SLM. Simulation and experimental results are presented.