Who manufactures holographic diffraction grating?

Manufacturers of Holographic Diffraction Gratings

Holographic diffraction gratings are optical components utilized to separate light into its component wavelengths (spectrum). Unlike ruled gratings, which are mechanically inscribed using a diamond tool, holographic gratings are produced using a laser to create interference patterns on a photosensitive material. This method often results in gratings with less stray light, reducing spectral noise.

List of Some Prominent Manufacturers

  • GratingWorks
  • Edmund Optics
  • Thorlabs, Inc.
  • Shimadzu Corporation
  • Newport Corporation (acquired by MKS Instruments)
  • Richardson Gratings™ (a division of MKS Instruments)
  • Hamamatsu Photonics
  • ZEISS
  • Spectrum Scientific, Inc. (SSI Optics)

Holographic Diffraction Grating Manufacturing Process

Here is a step-by-step outline of the manufacturing process for holographic diffraction gratings:

  1. The process begins with the preparation of a clean substrate material, usually glass or a polymer, onto which the grating will be inscribed.
  2. A layer of photosensitive resist is then applied to the substrate. This resist is sensitive to light and will alter its properties where exposed.
  3. Two coherent laser beams are set to intersect on the resist-coated substrate, creating an interference pattern of evenly spaced lines—these function as the grating pattern.
  4. The exposure to the laser light alters the resist's structure according to the interference pattern, encoding the grating into the resist material.
  5. The developed resist is then chemically processed, typically through a development step that washes away the unexposed material, leaving behind the grating structure.
  6. In some cases, the developed grating pattern is further processed through a replication step that allows for mass production. The original grating can be used as a master to create copies.
  7. Finally, the grating may receive coatings to enhance durability, efficiency, or to add additional functional properties.

Applications of Holographic Diffraction Gratings

Holographic diffraction gratings are used extensively in spectroscopy for separating light into its spectral components. They are also key components in the design of spectrophotometers, optical communications systems, laser pulse compression, and various scientific instruments. Manufacturers have optimized different grating designs for various applications, such as high spectral resolution, high efficiency, or specific wavelength operation.

Some companies, like Spectrum Scientific, Inc. (SSI Optics), specialize in producing blazed holographic diffraction gratings, which are designed to achieve high diffraction efficiency at specific wavelengths. Their gratings are used in a variety of applications, from astronomy to biomedical imaging.


For a comprehensive understanding of a specific holographic diffraction grating's capabilities, it is recommended to review technical datasheets or directly contact the manufacturers, as they can provide detailed specifications and customization options for their products.

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