Exploring the Photon Sieve: Mathematical Framework and Experimental Categorization

The photon sieve is a diffractive optical element similar to a Fresnel zone plate, however instead of alternating rings of opaque and transmissive material the sieve is made up of many holes arranged in concentric circles. A sieve provides diffraction-limited resolution where traditional reflective and refractive optics are unable to, such as in the extreme ultraviolet. We present here recent results of testing the photon sieve's properties and comparing them to theory. Such results include multiple wavelengths, point spread function analysis, and off axis imaging. We also investigate the case in which there are multiple solar spectral lines near the sieve's depth of focus. The image observed will be a combination of multiple distinct spectral lines with different intrinsic blurs. Separating these lines is mathematically similar to an inverse problem we developed for slitless spectroscopy and is considered within this same framework.