Recent advances in digital holography [invited]

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Microscopy and Imaging Technologies

Background:

• Digital holography is a rapidly evolving field with significant potential for scientific and industrial applications.
• Recent advancements aim to overcome limitations in resolution, illumination, and object accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of recent breakthroughs in digital holography.
• To showcase new results and trends from the Institute for Applied Optics, University of Stuttgart.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of advanced holographic techniques for improved image resolution.
• Investigation of holographic imaging under incoherent illumination conditions.
• Development of methods for phase retrieval and imaging of occluded or depth-extended objects.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of holographic techniques for enhanced microscopic resolution.
• Successful holographic imaging and phase retrieval using incoherent light.
• Implementation of a frequency-comb laser for depth-extended object recording.
• Design of a remote laboratory infrastructure for digital holographic microscopy and metrology.

Conclusions:

• The field of digital holography is experiencing rapid innovation across various sub-disciplines.
• New techniques offer enhanced capabilities for microscopic imaging, metrology, and remote experimentation.