Coherence aperture restricted spatial resolution for an arbitrary depth plane in incoherent digital holography

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Digital Imaging

Background:

• Incoherent digital holography (IDH) enables hologram capture without spatial coherence requirements.
• High temporal coherence is necessary for high spatial resolution in IDH, often achieved using bandpass filters.
• Bandpass filtering for temporal coherence reduces light utilization efficiency, creating a resolution-efficiency trade-off.

Purpose of the Study:

• To derive a theoretical relationship between spatial resolution and temporal coherence in IDH.
• To provide a framework for optimizing IDH system setups.
• To address and potentially mitigate the trade-off between spatial resolution and light utilization efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of a conceptual aperture, defined by temporal coherence, into existing spatial resolution theory.
• Development of a new theoretical model for spatial resolution in arbitrary depth planes for IDH.
• Experimental validation of the derived theoretical relationship.

Main Results:

• A quantitative relationship between spatial resolution and temporal coherence in IDH was established.
• Experimental results confirmed the accuracy and effectiveness of the developed theory.
• The theory provides a basis for understanding and managing the resolution-efficiency compromise.

Conclusions:

• The derived theory offers a method to optimize incoherent digital holography setups.
• It provides insights into overcoming the inherent trade-off between spatial resolution and light utilization efficiency.
• This work is valuable for advancing IDH system design and performance.