A novel material used for Light Shaping Diffusers(R)

A novel material is described for holographic Light Shaping Diffusers based upon monolithic glass fabrication that is totally optically refractive. This diffuser has mechanical and optical properties far superior to plastic diffusers, making it suitable for use in optical systems that include high power lasers, ultraviolet applications, near infrared applications, and for high temperature environments. We have designed and implemented an all glass diffuser. This novel diffuser is a monolithic optical element that controls the angular spread of transmitted light and homogenizes otherwise spatially noisy light sources such as LEDs and filamented light sources while maintaining damage thresholds consistent with any glass optical element. Preliminary analysis shows that this glass diffuser has a transmission efficiency of 90% from the ultraviolet wavelengths through the visible spectrum and into the near infrared.