We propose a novel type of spectral diffractive lenses that operate in the ±1-st diffraction orders. Such spectral lenses generate a sharp image of the wavelengths of interest in the +1-st and -1-st diffraction orders. The spectral lenses are convenient to use for obtaining remotely sensed vegetation index images instead of full-fledged hyperspectral images. We discuss the design and fabrication of spectral diffractive lenses for measuring vegetation indices, which include a Modified Red Edge Simple Ratio Index and a Water Band Index. We report synthesizing diffractive lenses with a microrelief thickness of 4 µm using the direct laser writing in a photoresist. The use of the fabricated spectral lenses in a prototype scheme of an imaging sensor for index measurements is discussed. Distributions of the aforesaid spectral indices are obtained by the linear scanning of vegetation specimens. Using a linear scanning of vegetation samples, distributions of the above-said water band index were experimentally measured.
Keywords: diffractive lenses; hyperspectrometer; spectral lenses; vegetation indices.