Diffractive multifocal lens analysis using complex Fourier series

The diffraction efficiency of conventional diffractive lenses is typically analyzed using the complex Fourier series expansion coefficients. While conventional diffractive lenses typically target high diffraction efficiency in a single diffractive order, applications such as multifocal intraocular lenses seek high diffraction efficiency in multiple diffractive orders. Here, the complex Fourier series technique is generalized to handle these multifocal lenses, and applied to a novel trifocal intraocular lens design.