Static and dynamic Fresnel zone lenses for optical interconnections

Static and dynamic Fresnel zone lenses were fabricated in quartz glass by means of microstructuring techniques. Two types of on-axis and offaxis lenses with different focal lengths and of different apertures were designed to operate at wavelengths of 1·52 μm and 633 nm. The blazed profile of the onaxis and off-axis lenses was approximated by up to 16 and up to four discrete levels respectively. Dynamic, that is electrically switchable, lenses have been realized by filling the structured surface with liquid crystal. The optical properties of the lenses, such as the focal spot sizes and the diffraction efficiencies, were investigated. Further the switching behaviour of the dynamic lenses was studied. The design and fabrication of the static and dynamic, on-and off-axis Fresnel zone lenses as well as their optical and switching properties will be presented.