Diffraction Optics - A century from basic studies to mass production

Diffractive Optics, defined as the use of diffraction to aid or perform the imaging process, belongs to the large familiy of 19th century concepts in optics that have moved from obscurity to important technology thanks to a fascinating confluence of recently discovered needs with development of a whole collection of new enabling technologies. These include computational methods, optical materials, and finally precision engineering processes that convert the impossible into the possible. Not one of these basic developments originated because of demands from the Diffraction Optics community. They came from the outside world and were conveniently appropriated as needs arose.