Optical elements based on the use of renewable liquid films with magneto-electrostatic control

A novel concept of capillary magneto-electrostatic (CAMEL) optics is presen ted. The concept is based on the use of thin liquid films pressed through a porous substrate and quickly pulled back after the optical pulse, thereby allowing one to create optical elements anew after every pulse. Possible op tical elements include planar and focusing mirrors, reflecting diffraction gratings, and reflecting zone plates. A set of engineering equations requir ed for design of the CAMEL optics is presented. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.