Digital Holography

Holography is frequently used to provide scientific data such as the size and shape of objects. Extracting the desired data from holograms presents a challenge. This is typically done by taking snapshots of the hologram at various viewing angles and using stereoscopic, tomographic back-projection, or other similar type algorithms to reconstruct the three-dimensional image of the object in a computer. This research explores another approach. It is to digitize the hologram directly into a computer. Then, the computer is used to perform a mathematical reconstruction of the three dimensional image of the object based on the interference fringe pattern. Among the theoretical issues addressed are spatial resolution and depth of field of the reconstructions. Also covered is software program code on how to implement the mathematical reconstruction on a computer. Experimentation is conducted to include creating, digitizing, and mathematically reconstructing holograms to verify the theory and programming.