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Diffractive and Micro-Optics Research

Diffractive And Micro-Optics Research

Overview

The field of diffractive optics and micro-optics has seen significant progress in recent years. The use of powerful computers for producing the desired wavefront is the most important advantage of diffractive optics (or computer generated holography) over their conventional counterparts. In addition, the fabrication techniques employed for realising these components are similar to those employed in VLSI fabrication, therefore very well suited to mass production.

Diffractive and micro-optical elements have a wide range of applications including laser beam shaping, laser beam conditioning, optical interconnects and optical information processing. Their high laser damage threshold (especially for elements fabricated in fused silica) make them particularly attractive for use with high power laser systems in a variety of applications.

At Heriot-Watt University we have established state-of-the-art fabrication facilities (class 100 clean-room, together with photolithography, etching facilities, etc.) for the fabrication of these elements. Binary and multi-level phase elements (up to 64 phase levels), for a variety of industrial and research applications, have been routinely designed and fabricated.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we�ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme: