Abstract: A diffraction element for diffracting a particular wavelength of incident optical beam includes: a base section made from a first resin and provided with a predetermined diffraction pattern; and a cover section made from a second resin and covering the diffraction pattern, wherein a rate of change of refraction index of the first resin is substantially the same as a rate of change of refraction index of the second resin in a temperature range between a first temperature and a second temperature.

Abstract: The first and second materials of the diffraction element are selected such that the first material's refraction indexes n1(?1), n1(?2) and n1(?3) for the first, second and third wavelengths ?1, ?2 and ?3 and the second material's refraction indexes n2(?1), n2(?2) and n2(?3) for the first, second and third wavelengths ?1, ?2 and ?3 satisfy one of the conditions (1) or (2).

Abstract: The first and second materials of the diffraction element are selected such that the first material's refraction indexes n1(?1), n1(?2) and n1(?3) for the first, second and third wavelengths ?1, ?2 and ?3 and the second material's refraction indexes n2(?1), n2(?2) and n2(?3) for the first, second and third wavelengths ?1, ?2 and ?3 satisfy one of the conditions (1) or (2).

Abstract: An optical pickup includes: a light source that emits first, second and third wavelengths of optical beam; and an objective lens unit including a diffraction element whose one surface includes a first diffraction pattern where the first wavelength is diffracted while the second and third wavelengths pass through and whose other surface includes a second diffraction pattern where the second wavelength is diffracted while the first and third wavelengths pass through; and an objective lens that collects the optical beam from the diffraction element, wherein the second and third wavelengths traveling through the objective lens unit are on the optical axis of the objective lens unit while the first wavelength traveling through the objective lens unit have an angle with respect to the optical axis; and the first diffraction pattern is located at a position so as to minimize aberration of the first wavelength of optical beam.

Abstract: A diffraction element for diffracting a particular wavelength of incident optical beam includes: a base section made from a first resin and provided with a predetermined diffraction pattern; and a cover section made from a second resin and covering the diffraction pattern, wherein a rate of change of refraction index of the first resin is substantially the same as a rate of change of refraction index of the second resin in a temperature range between a first temperature and a second temperature.

Abstract: A diffraction element includes: an injection-molded transparent first member having two optical surfaces; and a second member firmly attached to one of the optical surfaces of the first member and provided with a first diffraction pattern on a surface, wherein the second member is a first ultraviolet curable resin having a refraction index in a range of ±0.013 with respect to a refraction index of the first member.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens efficiently manufactured into an accurate shape at a low cost, a manufacturing method thereof, and an optical pickup using the lens. The lens includes a geometrical optics portion for converging light having been incident thereon from its light incoming plane, and two diffraction optics portions provided on the light incoming plane and a light outgoing plane of the geometrical optics portion, wherein the diffraction optics portions are made from a material different from that of the geometrical optics portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens efficiently manufactured into an accurate shape at a low cost, a manufacturing method thereof, and an optical pickup using the lens. The lens includes a geometrical optics portion for converging light having been incident thereon from its light incoming plane, and two diffraction optics portions provided on the light incoming plane and a light outgoing plane of the geometrical optics portion, wherein the diffraction optics portions are made from a material different from that of the geometrical optics portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens efficiently manufactured into an accurate shape at a low cost, a manufacturing method thereof, and an optical pickup using the lens. The lens includes a geometrical optics portion for converging light having been incident thereon from its light incoming plane, and two diffraction optics portions provided on the light incoming plane and a light outgoing plane of the geometrical optics portion, wherein the diffraction optics portions are made from a material different from that of the geometrical optics portion.