LAUSR

Abstract. Based on creep-induced deformation of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel in an electric field, a Fresnel zone plate (FZP) is fabricated. The employed electrode is constructed with a series of concentric zones, and the soft PVC gel coated on the electrode forms a flat membrane. By applying a DC voltage to the electrode, electrons are injected to the PVC gel. Due to the generated electrostatic force, the surface of the PVC membrane is undulated. The configuration of the PVC membrane resembles the pattern of the electrode. As a result, the PVC membrane functions as an FZP. The results show that incident light passing through the FZP can be diffracted, producing a focused spot due to constructive interferences. The maximum diffraction efficiency can reach ∼32.5  %  , and the focal length is switchable. The advantages of this FZP are the ease of manufacturability, compactness, large size, and optical isotropy.