Holographic incoherent optical transfer function synthesis: analysis and optimization

Holographic incoherent optical transfer function (OTF) synthesis offers many of the advantages of coherent holographic spatial filtering, yet it can use spatially incoherent (but quasi-monochromatic) light. Thus CRT images, as well as light from diffuse objects, can be processed with no need for spatial light modulators. We show that paraxial analysis of holographic incoherent OTF synthesis is often inadequate. Carelessly designed systems may exhibit intolerable levels of aberrations and distortions. Specifically, incoherent holographic OTF synthesis systems may exhibit partial loss of space variance as well as aberrations that affect the resolution of the output pattern. One must apply nonparaxial analysis to the design of holographic incoherent OTF synthesis systems in order to exploit their full potential. Typical results and some optimization approaches are presented.