"Thin-film microoptics" stands for novel types of microoptical components and systems which combine the well-known features of miniaturized optical elements with the specific advantages of thin optical layers. This approach enables for innovative solutions in shaping light fields in spatial, temporal and spectral domain. Low-dispersion and small-angle systems for tailoring and diagnosing laser pulses under extreme conditions as well as VUV-capable microoptics can be realized. Continuous-relief microstructures of refractive, reflective and hybrid characteristics are obtained by vapor deposition technologies with shadow masks in rotating systems. The book gives a comprehensive overview on fundamental laws of microoptics, types of thin-film microoptical components, methods and constraints of their design, fabrication and characterization, structure transfer into substrates, optical functions and applications. Recent theoretical and experimental results of basic and applied research are addressed. Particular emphasis will be laid on the generation of localized, nondiffracting few-cycle wavepackets of extended depth of focus and high tolerance against distortions. It is shown that the spectral interference of ultrabroadband conical beams results in spatio-temporal structures of characteristic X-shape, so-called X-waves, which are interesting for robust optical communication. New prospects are opened by exploiting small conical angles from nanolayer microoptics and self-apodized truncation of Bessel beams leading to the formation of single-maximum nondiffracting beams or "needle beams". Thin-film microoptical beam shapers have an enormous potential for future applications like the two-dimensional ultrafast optical processing, multichannel laser-matter interaction, nonlinear spectroscopy or advanced measuring techniques.- Introduces a new and promising branch of microoptics - Gives a compact overview on the types, properties and applications of the most important microoptical components containing valuable data and facts- Helps to understand the basic optical laws - Reports on the historical development line of thin-film microoptics - Provides brand new results of research and development in the field of ultrashort-pulse laser beam shaping and diagnostics- Discusses the future trends and first approaches of next generation microoptics- Contains a carefully assorted glossary of the most important technical terms

Practical, user-oriented reference for engineers who must incorporate and specify coatings for filters, antiglare effects, polarization, or other purposes in optical or electro-optical systems design. It focuses on preparation techniques and characteristics of commercially available products and provides information needed to determine what type of filter is needed to solve a particular problem, what its limitations are, and how to care for it.

This work presents advances in thin films for applications in the fields of integrated optics, micro-optics, optical telecommunications and optoelectronics. It delineates the performance characteristics needed for graded coatings, damage-resistant laser coatings and many others. Basic theory and applications are illustrated.

From optical fundamentals to advanced applications, this comprehensive guide to micro-optics covers all the key areas for those who need an in-depth introduction to micro-optic devices, technologies, and applications. Topics covered range from basic optics, optical materials, refraction, and diffraction, to micro-mirrors, micro-lenses, diffractive optics, optoelectronics, and fabrication. Advanced topics, such as tunable and nano-optics, are also discussed. Real-world case studies and numerous worked examples are provided throughout, making complex concepts easier to follow, whilst an extensive bibliography provides a valuable resource for further study. With exercises provided at the end of each chapter to aid and test understanding, this is an ideal textbook for graduate and advanced undergraduate students taking courses in optics, photonics, micro-optics, microsystems, and MEMs. It is also a useful self-study guide for research engineers working on optics development.

Baumeister organizes this book around the key subjects associated with functions of optical thin film performance, and provides a valuable resource in the field of thin film technology. The information is widely backed up with citations to patents and published literature. The author draws from 25 years of experience teaching classes at the UCLA Extension Program, and at companies worldwide to answer questions, such as: what are the conventions for a given analysis formalism? and, what other design approaches have been tried for this application?

The 2nd edition contains new chapters on contamination and contamination control that describe the basics and the issues. Another new chapter on meteorology explains the growth of sophisticated, automatic tools capable of measuring thickness and spacing of sub-micron dimensions. The book also covers PVD, laser and e-beam assisted deposition, MBE, and ion beam methods to bring together physical vapor deposition techniques. Two entirely new areas are focused on: chemical mechanical polishing, which helps attain the flatness that is required by modern lithography methods, and new materials used for interconnect dielectric materials, specifically organic polyimide materials.

Microoptics is still an emerging field with a huge potential for a large number of applications. This monograph brings together the most recent developments in order to give a broad overview.