Computation considerations and fast algorithms for calculating the diffraction integral

One of the most basic optical ‘components’ is free-space propagation. A common approximation used when calculating the resultant field distribution after propagation is the Fresnel integral. This integral can be evaluated in two ways: directly or by using the angular spectrum. In this paper, we estimate the regions in which each mode of evaluation is preferable according to computing efficiency and accuracy considerations. A fast numerical algorithm is introduced for each region. The result is relevant also for the evaluation of the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld diffraction formula.