Binary holographic diffraction gratings were developed to shape laser-beam profiles and to generate multi-beam wavefronts for use in active infrared laser radar systems. The use of detector arrays in such systems requires amplitude and phase matching of multi-beam local oscillators to signal wavefronts in order to maximize the system's signal-to-noise ratio and resolution and to minimize the heat generated on the focal plane. In addition, a beam shaper in the transmit beam of the laser radar must shape the centro-symmetric Gaussian profile of the laser beam into a stretched profile that efficiently and uniformly illuminates the far-field footprint of the detector array. Potential applications include synthetic optical elements, high-energy laser-beam samplers, and uses in laser-beam annealing and optical communication.