This feature of Applied Optics contains 16 papers on the design, fabri
cation, analysis, and applications of diffractive optics. Most of the
papers originated from the first Optical Society of America topical me
eting on diffractive optics that was held 13-15 April 1992 in New Orle
ans, Louisiana. The next diffractive optics topical meeting is schedul
ed to be held 5-9 June 1994 in Rochester, New York.