Analog-to-digital conversion of information archived in display holograms: I. discussion

This discussion paper highlights the potential of display holograms in the storage of information about objects' shape. The images recorded and reconstructed from holograms have high visual appeal, and the holographic carrier has far higher information capacity than other storage media. One hindrance to the application of display holograms is the inadequate development of techniques for digitizing information from them, which is compounded by insufficient analysis and discussion of existing approaches. In this review, we provide a historical retrospective of the use of display holography to save comprehensive information on object morphology. We also discuss existing and emerging technologies for converting information into a digital format, addressing one of the most serious challenges to the widespread use of display holography. Potential applications of these technologies are also analyzed.