Holographic progressive lenses

Progressive addition lenses (PALs) are realized as optical freeform surfaces by complex manufacturing and inspection processes. In turn, holographic optical elements (HOEs) enable fast and easy fabrication in other applications. Here we present a design method for the combination of both; HOEs that are designed to fulfill the optical function of PALs. We describe how inherent limitations of HOEs, such as angular and wavelength selectivity as well as grating dispersion can be overcome. We show that holographic PALs can be optimized to have a distribution of spherical power and astigmatism, which is a qualitative replication of the performance of their refractive counterparts. The design rules we identify are shown for PALs but have the potential to improve other applications of HOEs as well.