Dual-functional diffraction gratings, which show different diffractions in transmission and reflection, are proposed as an essential optical element. We utilize a flattening effect of photochromic diarylethene (DAE) in the low glass transition temperature state and selective metal deposition to prepare the gratings. The uncolored lines of the colored DAE layer on a grating substrate with grooves were formed by red-laser scanning, and Mg evaporation onto the substrate without a shadow mask enabled Mg-line formation at right angles to the grooves. After being stored at 27 °C for 500 min, the sample showed two-dimensional diffraction in reflection but one-dimensional diffraction in transmission, meaning that a dual-functional grating was achieved. This result shows great potential as a key element for various future optical devices and systems.

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We introduce photoreprogrammable dual-function gratings, which show different diffraction in transmission and reflection. Parallel metal lines on the photochromic diarylethene (DAE) surface were prepared by selective metal deposition, enabling one-dimensional diffraction in transmission and reflection. Then, another isomerization pattern was programmed on the DAE layer by light irradiation. This grating generated unique diffraction: one-dimensional diffraction in the reflection but two-dimensional diffraction in the transmission, and a dual-function grating was achieved. This programmed state on the DAE layer could be erased by UV irradiation and could be reprogrammed to generate different diffraction by visible laser scanning. This result shows the great potential of the photoreprogrammable dual-function grating as a key element in various future optical devices and systems.