We propose stratified volume diffractive optical elements as a new type of
diffractive optical element that is capable of functioning as a high-effici
ency grating in applications with requirements not suited to traditional ho
lographic or diffractive optical techniques. In this approach, diffractive
optical fabrication methods are used to construct an optical structure that
emulates volume grating behavior. We discuss the diffraction properties of
stratified volume difffactive optical elements and compare them with those
used previously in both volume holographic optical elements and stratified
volume holographic optical elements. A systematic design process is then p
resented for deriving structure parameters. We illustrate this process by d
esigning a prototype stratified volume difffactive optical element to meet
the operational specifications for a beam-scanning element in a spaceborne
coherent wind lidar. We use numerical simulation to assess the performance
of the prototype element, including sensitivity to fabrication errors. (C)
1999 Optical Society of America [S0740-3232(99)01105-9].