Anamorphic gradient index (GRIN) lens for beam shaping

In this short communication we are reporting a new kind of rod lens with toric power with moderately large power difference. These rods can be directly used in coupling power from a semiconductor laser to optical fiber or in free space communication to convert the beam shape. This rod may directly be butt-jointed to the laser, which may attract many application scientists. Moreover, anamorphic power in a GRIN lens can be generated by proper selection of geometry of the substrate for ion exchange. This may lead to a new kind of optical system that needs further exploration.