Computer controlling of writing beam in laser microfabrication of diffractive optics

Laser microfabrication of diffractive optics with continuous relief is based on the direct local action of focused laser radiation on the recording material. Control of writing beam parameters (beam power, spot size, waist position) is one of the main tasks in microfabrication using laser writing systems. Method of the control defines the correspondence between the fabricated microrelief of the diffractive optical element and a designed one. Complexity of this task consists in the necessity to take into account a wide range of factors: laser irradiation noises, non-linear characteristic curve of recording material, finiteness of spot size, influence of power modulation and surrounding on beam energy absorption, influence of beam waist position according to recording layer, dependence of characteristic curve of recording material on beam scanning speed, etc. In the present paper we consider a number of methods for computer controlling of writing beam making it possible to compensate or reduce the influence of these factors and improve the quality of DOE microfabrication. The results of experimental application of the developed methods to circular laser writing systems are discussed.