Holography described by operator algebra

The operator description of Fourier optics is extended and applied to holography. The existing lens models for ideal holographic processes appear as a self-evident intermediate result; generalization to include apertures, recording-material modulation transfer function, and extended source effects is straightforward. The extended source effect is generally shown to be equivalent to a modification of the actual holographic apertures. The final result is a compact expression for the description of the holographically reconstructed field distribution at an arbitrary plane. A useful, comprehensive list of operator relations is given in two appendixes.