An aspherical lens (10, 10') has an aspherical surface (101, 101') and an
opposite flat surface (102, 102'). A multiple-step grating is defined in
the flat surface by a photolithographic method. The aspherical lens has a
reduced chromatic aberration effect, and can thus provide a clear image.
Furthermore, an effect of the aspherical lens having the grating is
equivalent to that of a conventional aspherical lens unit. Thus, when the
aspherical lens is used in an optical system, it can reduce a bulk and a
weight of the optical system.