Design of wavelength-selective waveplates using genetic algorithm

Wavelength-selective waveplates, which act either identically or differently for plural wavelengths, are useful for optical systems that handle plural wavelengths. However, they cannot be analytically designed because of the complexity of their structure. Genetic algorithm is one of the methods for solving optimization problems and is used for several kinds of optical design (e.g., design of thin films, diffractive optical elements, and lenses). I considered that it is effective for designing wavelength-selective waveplates also and tried to design them using the genetic algorithm for the first time to the best of my knowledge. As a result, four types of wavelength-selective waveplate for three wavelengths (405, 650, and 780 nm) were successfully designed. These waveplates are useful for Blu-ray Disc/Digital Versatile Disc/Compact Disc compatible optical pickups.