Light-driven surface shaping for holographic optical elements

Diffractive optical elements are the key technology for Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR & VR) displays. They are typically fabricated using nanoimprint lithography and reactive ion etching, which do not allow for reconfiguration of the structures. We present a novel solution for fabrication of diffractive optical elements using feedback-controlled, light-induced sub-micrometre scale surface shaping of azobenzene-containing films. The method allows for facile creation of complex surface relief patterns with continuously varying heights and reconfigurable patterns, which are difficult to create using conventional lithography tools.