This study reports the experimental validation of several designs of photon sieves with focusing capabilities. These permeable optical elements were implemented with a spatial light modulator working in pure-amplitude mode. The focal region was scanned using a traveling stage, holding a camera. Using this experimental setup, we characterized the focal region of the photon sieves and determined some parameters of interest, such as the depth of focus and the transverse extent of the focal region. These parameters and their evolution were measured and analyzed to compare the optical performance of different designs. Moreover, the permeability of the mask was also evaluated and is included in the discussion. When the photon sieve is intended to be used as an optical element for the monitoring of running fluids, one of the designs studied, labeled the Ring-by-Ring method, behaves in a quite balanced manner and thus has become the preferred choice. Through simulations for a refractometric sensor, we obtained the Figure of Merit of the Ring-by-Ring mask, which reached a maximum value of 7860 RIU⁻¹, which is competitive with plasmonic sensing devices.

Photon sieves are permeable diffractive optical elements generated by open apertures on a substrate. These elements are well suited for the monitoring of running fluids. Our analysis considers the fabrication constrains of the photon sieve and translate them into values of the optical parameters of the element. When used as focusing elements, or diffractive lenses, the spatial distribution of apertures can be designed to maximize the intensity at the focal plane and the permeability of the device. This is done by defining a weighted merit function. The computation time of this merit function is key when applying different strategies for the design, which often require a very large number of calculations of this merit function. Then, besides using a reliable propagation method, we have included an analytic solution applicable for circular apertures. Also, a geometrical merit function is proposed to simplify and reduce the computation even more. The methods proposed in this contribution are compared in terms of the focused irradiance and permeability parameters, allowing an educated choice adapted to the given case or application. In this contribution we analyze several methods to generate photon sieves in an optimum manner. The resulted spatial distributions resemble the classical Fresnel zone arrangement.