Computer-Generated Holograms

Abstract

Computer-generated holograms (CGH’s) are diffractive-optical elements that offer the possibility of creating wave-optical display systems that are under complete computer control. Because CGH’s can control all aspects of the optical wave, three-dimensional imagery can be presented to an audience. After reviewing some mathematical preliminaries that are essential to the description of CGH’s, we move to the description of their construction and operation. We include descriptions of the effects that some common imperfections have on the image presented by a CGH. Although CGH’s have been successfully applied in applied in many areas including optical testing and security, we concentrate our attention on 3-D display. We will also examine some basic conditions on the use of CGH’s for video display of these images.