Methods and system for chromatic dispersion compensation in
disperser-combiner optical systems. The chromatic dispersion in
disperser-combiner optical systems is substantially compensated by, after
separating the input optical radiation into distinct chromatic
components, propagating the distinct chromatic components through the
optical system so that a pre-selected relationship between optical path
lengths through the optical systems of the distinct chromatic components
is obtained, where the pre-selected relationship substantially
compensates the chromatic dispersion. The pre-selected relationship is
obtained by reflecting the distinct chromatic components from a suitably
placed and shaped pixellated optical volume reflector. After propagating
through the optical system, the distinct chromatic components are
recombined.