Large-scale computer-generated absorption holograms of 3D objects: II. Practical methodology

Nicholas J. Phillips; Colin D. Cameron; Adrian K. Dodd; Douglas A. Payne; David T. Sheerin; Christopher W. Slinger

doi:10.1117/12.343784

25 March 1999 Large-scale computer-generated absorption holograms of 3D objects: II. Practical methodology

Nicholas J. Phillips, Colin D. Cameron, Adrian K. Dodd, Douglas A. Payne, David T. Sheerin, Christopher W. Slinger

Proceedings Volume 3637, Practical Holography XIII; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.343784
Event: Electronic Imaging '99, 1999, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

As a support to the advances in theoretical understanding and computational methods, we describe a new laser plotter technique that enables, in principle, an unlimited size of pixel array to be plotted efficiently with a rigorous estimate of duration of the plot run time. Developments in laser plotter design are presented that allow the formation of pixellated holographic structures of high precision (c. 1 - 10 micron pixel dia.) with an accompanying high pixel count (e.g. at least up to, and beyond, 10⁴ per side within a square array). The case of absorption holograms offers an easy route to a good quality result. We can then exploit the many tricks of amplitude holography borrowed from lithographic and holographic experience using ultra-fine grain silver halide materials. The problem of exposure quantization and linearization is addressed in a pragmatic fashion. The central issue of why such holograms can tolerate intrinsic diffraction artifacts within each pixel is considered along with the exposure level quantization -- it is difficult to print individual pixels within which the optical density is clinically uniform. We cannot over-estimate the reliability difficulties that can arise in a system designed to print massive arrays of pixels in a serial fashion. The electronic testing involved has to be associated with error-free repeatability and high accompanying switching speeds. This may look easy but it is the major issue that distinguishes serially printed digital holography from the simple one-step parallel process of forming the ordinary hologram.

Citation Download Citation

Nicholas J. Phillips, Colin D. Cameron, Adrian K. Dodd, Douglas A. Payne, David T. Sheerin, and Christopher W. Slinger "Large-scale computer-generated absorption holograms of 3D objects: II. Practical methodology", Proc. SPIE 3637, Practical Holography XIII, (25 March 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.343784

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