RIGOROUS DIFFRACTION THEORY APPLIED TO MICROLENSES

In this paper, we discuss the behaviour of small cylindrical microlens es, arranged in one-dimensional arrays and as single elements. For thi s purpose, we apply a standard rigorous diffraction theory, commonly u sed for diffraction gratings. We investigate the coupling effect betwe en the elements. It turns out that single elements behave like periodi c elements if the spacing is chosen correctly. Furthermore, we compute the complex transmission function by rigorous diffraction theory and compare them with classical theories (combined ray tracing and the thi n-element approach). Finally, we discuss the focal properties of micro lenses in the rigorous regime.