A Comparison Between Refractive And Diffractive Optics

Diffractive lenses are mainly used in an optical study. Formulated of sub-wavelength with complex arrangements, they find uses in a variety of applications. From CDS, DVDs, lenses and surgeries, its uses are growing at an increasing rate due to their precision, easy adaptability, energy-efficiency, customization, and effectiveness. When it comes to its pattern of working, it functions on the productive interference of wave fronts. Diffractive optics due to its many uses is preferred more than any of its competition. For a more elaborate idea on the basics, here’s the write-up to help you understand it in a better way in comparison to its refractive counterpart.

Reduced size and weight

One of the main advantages of purchasing diffractive lenses is that it has a much reduced size and weight in comparison to refractive lenses. The physical size of the optical path is decreased by working in tandem with refractive elements. This makes diffractive very light and more comfortable to use.

Control of chromatic aberration (CA)

In diffractive lenses, the wavelengths that merge to take shape of an image are swapped from those of a refractive optical element. This occurs when the positions are reversed. With the very intricate design of diffractive lenses, the difference in aberration is rectified. As there is a combination of refractive elements, it becomes difficult to get proper control of chromatic aberration. This is possible with diffractive lenses. This phenomenon assists in spectroscopes and various other optical signal-reading systems such as CD and DVD players.

High-quality precision

Compared to the refractive lens, diffractive optics is more precise in nature. They are utilized as replacements for natural lens in cataract surgeries and even in professional camera lenses. This even includes brands such as Nikon and canon.

Even though it is the more preferred lens material, it is not without disadvantages. Its cost is comparatively high and it is a comparatively difficult lens to manufacture. It is also stated that optical quality control is more challenging. But despite these limitations, the diffractive lens compensates it with its benefits. Till now it hasn’t been applied to camera lenses as there is a propensity for white light to generate redundant diffracted light during its passage through the grating.

Further, it doesn’t depend specifically only on the uses, it also depends on which company you make your purchase from. Hence, make sure you make your purchase from a reputed and reliable establishment.