Stripe-geometry two-dimensional Dammann gratings

We propose a new 2D generalization of the concept of Dammann grating [H. Dammann and K. Görtler, Optics Comm. 3 (1971) 321] which opens up the possibility of generating 2D patterns of discrete light spots with low reconstruction error and high diffraction efficiency, typically ≈ 30% in arbitrary (off-axis), and ≈ 60% in inversion symmetric (on-axis) patterns. Optimization of such interconnect hologram structures by stochastic algorithms is shown to be feasible for (arbitrary) image sizes up to about 20 X 20 to 30 X 30 on desktop computers. Experimental verification is provided by reconstructing an arbitrary pattern of 20 X 21 spots with a grating fabricated by conventional photolithographic techniques.