HOLOGRAPHIC 2D MIXED POLARIZATION DEFLECTION ELEMENTS

Two-dimensional optical implementations of permutation elements are cu rrently of interest as components in switching network systems. These elements can reorder and change the spacing of a set of input channels at an output plane. Here an implementation of such an element that us es holographic gratings is presented and theoretically analysed. Each individual grating is recorded in a rotated position with respect to t he others. In this way arbitrary 2D interconnections are achieved at t he cost of growing design complexity. The complexity of the exposure p rocedure results from the wish for high diffraction efficiency at reco nstruction with light of mixed polarization. The inclusion of the Fres nel reflection coefficients adds further to the difficulty of the anal ysis. Experimental and theoretical results are compared and found to b e broadly in agreement. This information is then used to implement two practical components.