Extremely Compact 3D Printed Glass Ternary Diffractive Optical Element for Holographic Images

The design and fabrication of compact and versatile holographic structures are critical for advancing next-generation technologies, ranging from augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) devices to optical holographic data storage. While significant progress is made in holographic design and fabrication, existing methods often involve trade-offs between size, holographic image quality, and manufacturing complexity. Binary or few-level holographic structures, though simple to design and fabricate, are prone to twin-image artifacts, limiting their performance. In contrast, common spatial light modulators (SLMs) achieve higher fidelity but are bulky and unsuitable for compact applications. In this work, a novel approach is presented and holographic diffractive optical elements (DOEs) are proved by integrating a ternary phase design with high-resolution glass 3D printing. Utilizing the ternary design achieves the minimal quantization required to suppress twin images, balancing optical performance and fabrication simplicity. Glass DOEs are fabricated with nanometer-scale precision using additive manufacturing, achieving excellent agreement between simulated and experimental holographic results. Comparative thermal resistance tests demonstrated the superior durability of glass DOEs, which maintained structural integrity and holographic performance under extreme conditions, outperforming organic alternatives. By combining innovative phase design with the inherent material advantages of glass—thermal resistance, mechanical durability, and optical clarity—this study highlights the transformative potential of 3D-printed glass DOEs.