Ripoll, O.Kettunen, V.Herzig, H. P.2009-04-222009-04-222009-04-22200210.1080/09500340210140524https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/37873Design and simulation of two-dimensional diffractive optical elements are often limited by the amount of data required to represent the element in the computer's memory. We present a technique based on a geometrical description of the element, which requires fewer data than the traditional pixel description. Moreover, the element is being described more accurately and consequently the pixel-related artefacts are suppressed. This technique can be used for both periodic and non-periodic structures of large dimensions under Fraunhofer or Fresnel approximations. We apply the method to analysis of far-field beam-shaping elements and discuss possible extensions and refinements of the technique.text::journal::journal article::research article