Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
08:39
Shaping the Amplitude and Phase of Laser Beams by Using a Phase-only Spatial Light Modulator
Published on: January 28, 2019
Laser-printer computer-generated holograms exhibiting suppressed higher orders in the replay field
Edward Buckley1, Tim Wilkinson
1Cambridge University Engineering Department, UK. ebuckley@iee.org
Optics Letters
|April 28, 2006
Summary
This study introduces a new method for creating computer-generated holograms (CGHs) using laser printers. This technique significantly reduces unwanted higher orders in holographic replay fields.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Digital Holography
Background:
- Conventional computer-generated holograms (CGHs) utilize square pixels, leading to undesirable higher-order diffraction patterns during replay.
- Existing CGH fabrication methods are often incompatible with standard laser printing technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel method for generating CGHs that overcomes limitations of conventional techniques.
- To enable the production of CGHs using accessible laser printing processes.
- To achieve suppressed higher orders in the replay field of printed CGHs.
Main Methods:
- Exploiting the specific characteristics of conventional laser printing.
- Developing a new algorithm for CGH pattern generation tailored for laser printers.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of CGHs using a standard laser printer.
- Demonstrated marked suppression of higher orders in the holographic replay field.
- CGHs produced exhibit improved replay characteristics compared to conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- The novel method provides a practical and accessible approach to fabricating CGHs.
- Laser-printable CGHs with suppressed higher orders are achievable.
- This technique offers potential for wider adoption of CGH technology.
