In a diffraction optical element in which a plurality of diffraction
gratings are laminated and the maximum difference of length among optical
paths of light passing through the plurality of diffraction gratins is
integer multiples of a plurality of wavelengths, diffraction efficiency
is further improved and even when an environmental condition changes, a
deviation of the diffraction efficiency is reduced. More specifically, a
diffraction optical element is disclosed which includes, as the plurality
of diffraction gratings, a first diffraction grating made of a resin
material, in which inorganic fine particles are dispersed, and a second
diffraction grating made of a material whose organic matter composition
is substantially same as that of the resin material.