Size, weight, and power breakthrough in nonmechanical beam and line-of-sight steering with geo-phase optics

Thin-film geo-phase optics have the potential to dramatically reduce size, weight, and power for large-aperture optical components as well as provide nonmechanical functionality. Topics are presented in manner of increasing conceptual and system complexity to convey the different levels and aspects of system performance improvements. An 8 ′ ′ aperture, lightweight geo-phase lens is presented followed by discussions on both mechanical and nonmechanical beam steering embodiments. Laser damage thresholds for the thin-film geo-phase prisms are reported. Highly efficient and spectrally broadband nonmechanical line-of-sight steering is also demonstrated. Lastly, novel fabrication techniques, to the best of our knowledge, and the associated reduced fabrication cost implications are presented.