On resolution and viewing of holographic image

generated by 3D holographic display

Tomasz Kozacki*
Institute of Micromechanics and Photonics, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Sw. A. Boboli 8,
02-525 Warsaw, Poland
*t.kozacki@mchtr.pw.edu.pl

Abstract: In the paper Wigner Distribution (WD) representation analysis of

holographic display is presented. The display reconstructs holographic
image by means of Spatial Light Modulator. Two major aspects are
covered: imaging and viewing. Optically reconstructed images are
characterized by low and spatially variant resolution. Utilizing WD
representation we present a simple formula for resolution as a function of
both coordinates: transverse and longitudinal. The analysis of an aliasing
effect allows for meaningful extension of the field of view. All theoretical
results are proven experimentally. The WD representation of angularly and
spatially limited holographic image is extended to cover its visual
perception as well. Angular resolution and field of view are theoretically
examined. Both monocular and binocular perception are studied and
illustrated experimentally.
2010 Optical Society of America
OCIS codes: (090.2870) Holographic display; (330.1400) Vision binocular and stereopsis.

References and links

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

D. Gabor, A new microscopic principle, Nature 161(4098), 777778 (1948).

H. M. Ozaktas, and L. Onural, Three-Dimensional Television (Springer, Berlin, 2008).
D.P. Kelly, D.S. Monaghan, N. Pandey, T. Kozacki, A. Michakiewicz, B. M. Hennelly, M. Kujawinska, Digital
Holographic Capture and Optoelectronic Reconstruction for 3D Displays, International Journal of Digital
Multimedia Broadcasting, Article ID 759323 (2010).
A. Michakiewicz, M. Kujawiska, T. Kozacki, X. Wang, and P. J. Bos, Holographic three-dimensional
displays with liquid crystal on silicon spatial light modulator, Proc. SPIE 5531, 8594 (2004).
K. Choi, H. Kim, and B. Lee, Full-color autostereoscopic 3D display system using color-dispersioncompensated synthetic phase holograms, Opt. Express 12(21), 52295236 (2004).
J. Otn, P. Ambs, M. S. Milln, and E. Prez-Cabr, Dynamic calibration for improving the speed of a parallelaligned liquid-crystal-on-silicon display, Appl. Opt. 48(23), 46164624 (2009).
J. Hahn, H. Kim, Y. Lim, G. Park, and B. Lee, Wide viewing angle dynamic holographic stereogram with a
curved array of spatial light modulators, Opt. Express 16(16), 1237212386 (2008).
K. Maeno, N. Fukaya, O. Nishikawa, K. Sato, and T. Honda, Electro-holographic display using 15 mega pixels
LCD, Proc. SPIE 2652, 1523 (1996).
S.-K. Kim, D.-W. Kim, Y. M. Kwon, and J.-Y. Son, Evaluation of the monocular depth cue in 3D displays,
Opt. Express 16(26), 2141521422 (2008).
M. J. Bastiaans, Wigner distribution function and its application to first-order optics, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 69,
17101716 (1980).
J. W. Goodman, Introduction to Fourier Optics 2nd ed., (McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996).
A. W. Lohmann, R. G. Dorsch, D. Mendlovic, Z. Zalevsky, and C. Ferreira, Space-bandwidth product of optical
signals and systems, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 13, 470473 (1996).
J. J. Stamnes, Waves in Focal Regions, (Hilger, Bristol, 1986).
T. Latychevskaia, and H.-W. Fink, Solution to the twin image problem in holography, Phys. Rev. Lett. 98(23),
233901 (2007).
I. Yamaguchi, and T. Zhang, Phase-shifting digital holography, Opt. Lett. 22(16), 12681270 (1997).
C. E. Shanon, Communication in presence of noise, Proc. IRE 37, 447457 (1949).
A. Stern, and B. Javidi, Sampling in the light of Wigner distribution, J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 21(3), 360366
(2004).
A. Bergeron, J. Gauvin, F. Gagnon, D. Gingras, H. H. Arsenault, and M. Doucet, Phase calibration and
applications of a liquid-crystal spatial light modulator, Appl. Opt. 34, 51335139 (1995).
X. Xun, and R. W. Cohn, Phase calibration of spatially nonuniform spatial light modulators, Appl. Opt.
43(35), 64006406 (2004).
J. R. Fienup, Phase retrieval algorithms: a comparison, Appl. Opt. 21(15), 27582769 (1982).

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27118

21. T. Kozacki, Numerical errors of diffraction computing using plane wave spectrum decomposition, Opt.
Commun. 281, 42194223 (2008).
22. Y. Le Grand, Physiological Optics (Springer, New York, 1980).
23. M. J. Bastiaans, and P. G. J. van de Mortel, Wigner distribution function of a circular aperture, J. Opt. Soc.
Am. A 13, 16981703 (1996).

1. Introduction
Human's natural world perception is three dimensional. No wonder that people want to
transfer the third dimension into entertainment such as TV and please their eyes with 3D
images. One of the techniques which allows to view 3D images is holography [1]. The
holographic technique works with a complex optical wave such as generated in real world and
therefore correctly reconstructs 3D object wavefronts [2]. Recently liquid crystal based
Spatial Light Modulators (SLM) have been recognized as the most feasible devices for
designing holographic displays [35]. Due to rapid progress in liquid crystal display
technology, SLM devices provides high accuracy in optical wave reproduction [6].
In holographic displays, the extent of angular view-ability remains one of the most
important factors affecting the experience of observing optically reconstructed holographic
images. It is limited by a finite pixel pitch of the particular SLM device used in holographic
display implementation. To overcome this problem several attempts have been made to
enhance this feature by employing innovative optical holographic display modules with
several tilled SLMs [7, 8]. Recently the work on monocular focusing of object of variable
depths was reported [9]. However only little attention has been given to the visual perception
of angularly and spatially limited holographic image. Therefore in this paper we present an
analysis of real holographic image limitation in joint space-spatial frequency domain (Wigner
Domain) [10]. Such an analysis gives both spatial and angular information about generated
holographic image. The results are then used to study visual perception of holographic image.
The analysis is performed in Wigner space as well.
In the paper we analyze SLM based holographic display schematically presented in Fig. 1,
where reflective phase only liquid crystal on silicon SLM (model HEO 1080P) is illuminated
by a linearly polarized plane wave. Thus in a phase SLM display amplitude information is
disregarded. However the image of a scattering object is well approximated by phase only
distribution at a plane distant from the object [11]. The real holographic image is formed at a
distance z from a phase SLM. This image is viewed from distance zo. The SLM due to its low
spatial bandwidth product [12] (pixel pitch 8 m of HD resolution) produces on-axis and low
resolution field only. The low resolution of the reconstructed holographic image presents a
problem when considering visual human perception and it is a reason why we present study of
limited holographic image resolution and its effect on human perception.
In holographic display we either reconstruct synthetic or digital holograms. Certainly
imaging of real world objects captured in digital holographic systems is more attractive. In
order to reconstruct directly a captured digital hologram at a phase only modulator system we
convert intensity fringes into phase ones and introduce them into SLM. In this way we get
optical reconstruction of digital hologram with strong 0 order. It is therefore better to first
filter a complex object beam from a captured hologram using numerical techniques [13] or
phase shifting digital holography [14]. Then in reconstruction we use a phase of an object
beam only. However the lack of modulation of both amplitude and phase is problematic. It
limits the class of imaging objects to scattering ones. Moreover the phase SLM on the market
are characterized by lover than 100% diffraction efficiency. This disturbs an reconstructed
image.
In the experimental setup an asymmetric diffuser is placed within longitudinal center of
real object reconstruction space. The diffuser scatters light in one direction only (Y).
Therefore it gives more convenient holographic image observation, i.e., viewing eye does not
have to by posited within both transverse coordinates. Every image point generates a pencil
beam unaffecting X perspective of holographic image.

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27119

Fig. 1. The experimental setup for observation of holographic image generated by SLM based
holographic display.

In the paper we present theoretical analysis on the resolution of an image generated by a

planar SLM display. The considerations are given in one dimension, only. However we study
holographic image as an assembly of point images and it was proven [15] that distribution of
a point image generated by spherical beam apodized with a rectangular aperture is a product
of two independent (X and Y) functions. Therefore the presented analysis is a general one. On
a basis of this analysis we study visual perception of holographic image.
2. Spatial evolution of resolution of holographic image
2.1 Theory
In a hologram reconstruction experiment phase SLM scatters illuminating plane wave, and
real holographic image is formed at a distance z (Fig. 1). According to the classical sampling
theory [16] the holographic signal leaving SLM (z = 0) is frequency and spatially limited, i.e.,
Bf = 1, Bx = N, where is a pitch size and N is a number of pixels. The discussion here
and in what follows is limited to paraxial optics (Fresnel approximation), where transverse
distributions (Fig. 1) of holographic signal u(x,z) at two parallel planes are related by
u ( x, z )

ik ( x xs ) 2
exp(ikz )
u
(
x
,
0)
exp

dxs ,
s
i z
2z

(1)

In Fresnel domain the WD's of signal u(x,z) undergoes linear transformation [17]
Wu ( z d ) ( x, f ) Wu ( z 0) ( x zf , f ).

(2)

Fig. 2. The evolution of WD of holographic signal during propagation.

WD confinement of a holographic signal for three distances z is presented in Fig. 2. Solid

line represents WD of signal leaving SLM. We assume that SLM generates limited signal in
space and frequency. Higher diffraction orders are not treated, since they do not contribute in
generation of holographic image.
In Fig. 2 we present an imaging process of an axial spherical beam at minimum distance
z = dmin(axial) (dashed line). At this distance full SLM aperture participates in generation of onaxis point image. The inclined line represents spherical beam at SLM plane while the line
#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27120

perpendicular to x axis represents point image at reconstruction plane. In the Wigner chart
free space propagation for distance dmin(axial) corresponds to the shift of marginal spacefrequency point to on-axis location i.e., W(Bx/2, Bf/2) W(0, Bf/2). This gives a minimum
hologram reconstruction distance
d min(axial) Bx 1 .

(3)

For off-axis point of position x0, applying full aperture criteria the minimal distance is
d min( offaxis ) ( Bx 2 x0 ) 1.
(4)
At shorter distances than specified by this condition one spherical beam generates multiple
secondary point sources. This surely results in quality loss of holographic image. In Fig. 2
with dotted line the imaging of point (x = N/2) for minimum off-axis condition is presented.
It is seen that with increased propagation distance the resolution of holographic image
decreases. Moreover the resolution is spatially variant. The spatial frequency span can be
deduced from WD chart. In Fig. 3a the generation of point images for distance larger (a) and
closer (b, c) than dmin is presented.
In the first case (no aliasing) the frequency spectrum span of the point image is entirely
determined by size of SLM. The inclined line sampled within SLM bandwidth is converted
into line at spatial position x0. Within zero diffraction order single spherical beam generates
exclusive point image. In Sec. 4.1 we have proven that the width of Fourier spectrum of point
image is Bx/z with carrier frequency x0/z. This result fully agrees with the graphical WD
representation analysis of the problem in Fig. 3a.
At distances closer than dmin(axial) the spectrum width of point image is determined by pixel
pitch (Bf). The aliased point images are repeating at spatial intervals Bfz. Both conclusions
are proven in Sec. 4.2 and visualized in Fig. 3b. We have now proven and justified the further
use of graphical WD analysis.
At off-axis regions the Fourier spectrum of point image is delimited by both, the spatial
extent and the pixel pitch (Fig. 3c). In this case we apply both results given in Sec. 4. There
are now two point images within 0 diffraction order area, e.g., the original image (spatial
position x0) and an aliased one. The images are separated by distance Bfz. The Fourier
spectrum of both images can be deduced from WD chart analyzing corresponding lines
length.

Fig. 3. Generation of holographic point images: (a) for distance z > dmin, (b) for distance
z < dmin, (c) for highly off-axis points.

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27121

The transverse spatial resolution of point image generated with SLM is a function of both
coordinates: transverse (x0) and longitudinal (z). We summarize the above discussion
presenting formula for intensity distribution of a point image generated by SLM:
sin c 2 (B f (x - x0 ))
for |x0 | ( Bx B f z ) / 2

sin c 2 ( Bx x (x x ))
for |x 0 | ( B f z Bx ) / 2
0

z
I ( x, z )
(5)
sin c 2 ( Bx B f z 2 x0 (x - x )) for B f z Bx | x | Bx B f z .
0
0

2 z
2
2

otherwise
0

Equation (5) considers spatial distribution of an original point image, without considering
aliasing sources. In Fig. 4 the transverse resolution and field of view of holographic image is
visualized. The criterion of first zero of sinc(...) distribution of a point image is applied and it
is used as a measure of resolution. Within the SLM closest blue triangle the point images with
the higher and constant resolution can be formed. However at least two aliased sources are
generated within this region as well. The region no aliasing confined by dmin line
characterizes resolution constant in transverse direction and dropping down with distance z.
The image points within two green confined areas: upper and down ones, are characterized by
resolution decreasing with the distance from optical axis. Within this area the power and
resolution of an aliased image decreases with the increased resolution of primary point image.
This is a positive effect which allows to use a part of this region for holographic image
generation. We therefore propose extension of field of view to 'Holographic Imaging Area'
(red dashed line). The allowed holographic image area has then the size of Bfz, where z >
dmin(axial). Aliasing point images are here generated within the region outside the 'Holographic
Imaging Area'.

Fig. 4. Transverse resolution and field of view of holographic image.

2.2 Experiment
The theoretical discussion concluded with Eq. (5) is focused on the resolution of holographic
image and on its spatial evolution. Here we present the results of experiments aiming at the
verification of two aspects: space dependent resolution and extension of field of view. Before
performing experiments the SLM phase modulation was calibrated. We have characterized
both: nonlinearity of SLM phase response [18] and wave aberration [19]. Calibration
measurements were accomplished with two different techniques employing interferometry.
Then we have generated and displayed spherical waves with corrected phase SLM
response in the setup presented in Fig. 5. The series of spherical waves were generating point
sources for various distances z. We have captured intensity spatial distributions of these point
#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27122

sources and characterized the positions of the first zero. The results are plotted in Fig. 6. We
have received good agreement with the theoretical line. It has to be mentioned that the
accurate calibration of SLM is a crucial factor. Without calibration measurements results were
far from theoretical expectations.

Fig. 5. The experimental setup for capturing a real holographic image.

Fig. 6. The resolution of a real holographic image (position of the first zero of point image as a
function of reconstruction distance).

To verify theoretically predicted extension of a field of view we have designed computer

generated hologram with Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm [20]. The algorithm applies accurate
plane wave spectrum decomposition method [21], so no numerically induced aliasing is
present in the hologram. The hologram target and the result of its optoelectronic
reconstruction are shown in Fig. 7, respectively. The reconstruction was captured in setup
presented in Fig. 5. The image was captured with long exposure time of CCD camera so the
central reconstruction region was saturated and all aliased images are well seen. The
hologram was designed for reconstruction distance twice the minimum on-axis reconstruction
distance z = 2dmin(axial) = 461 [mm]. For this distance 'no aliasing' area (Fig. 4) is of the size of
SLM (15.36 [mm]). This region (letters: EFGH) is enclosed by two inner lines of hologram
reconstruction. The reconstructions from target area (letters: EFGH) are free of aliased
images. The middle region (letters: CD-EFGH-IJ - 'Holographic Image Area') has twice the
size of SLM. The images of letters CD-IJ give aliased images. However the aliased images
appear outside of the 'Holographic Image Area' (Fig. 4). These aliased images are of small
intensity. We have computed the ratio of intensities of the original images of letters C, D and
their aliased images. These values are for letter C 0.34 and for D 0.22. The results justify
extension of the holographic imaging area to region: CD-EFGH- IJ. The images of target part
outside of 'Holographic Image Area' (letters AB-KL) give aliased images close to the image
center.

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27123

Fig. 7. The image of a generated target (a) and its image reconstruction (b) from computer
generated hologram.

3. Viewing of holographic image

The above considerations are focused on a reconstruction of a real holographic image. We
have seen that image generated by the display system has a limited and spatially variant
resolution. In this section we try to answer questions concerning a human perception
(viewing) of a holographic image scene. The problem is a crucial one for an effective
operation of holographic display systems. The analysis is performed by means of WD
graphical representation of holographic imaging process. Accuracy of such an analysis is
proven in Section 4.
3.1 Monocular viewing
To understand an eye viewing of holographic image we introduce a single eye perception to
WD confinement of holographic image. We characterize eye perception in Wigner chart,
when viewing holographic scene, by size (3-8 [mm]) and position of an eye aperture. This is
an accurate approximation, the resolution of eye receptors is well correlated with an effect of
eye aperture [22].
The eye aperture in one dimensional Wigner chart is approximated in such a way that it
limits optical field at an aperture plane spatially only (not in spatial frequency). Within one
WD chart we plot the bound of the eye aperture and that of the holographic image. We
represent both of them in one plane, mainly at the holographic image plane. In order to obtain
this representation we back propagate WD of the eye aperture to the holographic image plane
within Fresnel approximation regime. This results in a slit of spatial width o and tilt -zo
(Fig. 8). The parameters o and zo are representing a width of an eye aperture (its diameter)
and a distance of an aperture to holographic image plane (observation distance). The analysis
is one dimensional, as the asymmetric diffuser unaffecting X-perspective, only, is present in
the system (Fig. 1). Moreover the analysis of WD of circular aperture [23] will not permit
WD graphical study of full imaging system.
In Fig. 8 the single eye observation of real on-axis holographic image is represented in
WD chart. The eye slit is frequency unbounded, since its frequency bounds are much higher
than these of holographic image. In Fig. 8 WD of the aperture of eye and of holographic
image are in scale (the eye aperture 5.5 [mm] and the SLM size in horizontal direction 15.36
[mm]). From WD chart we can approximate the resolution of the viewed image and its field
of view.
The observed image resolution is a function of two distances z and zo. We can select z and
zo such that either eye or SLM limits the resolution. We assume however that an eye will limit
resolution, i.e., the image can have some details that will not be observed.
Thus we formulate an observation condition x/z > o/zo, where the observed spatial
resolution is o/zo. This specifies minimal observation distance between the viewer and a real
holographic image:

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27124

zo

(6)
z.
Bx
In the experimental configuration (Fig. 1) o/x = 5.5/15.36 = 0.36. Therefore in order to
limit the resolution by a human eye we have to view holographic image from a distance as
close as 0.36 z. Using the minimum observation distance for the human as 250 [mm], we see
that for the reconstruction distances closer than 694 [mm] the eye limits perceived resolution.
Analyzing WD chart in Fig. 8 we obtain formula giving the field of view for monocular
observation:

FOV

Bx zo o z
.
z zo

(7)

Fig. 8. The WD representation of monocular visual perception of holographic image.

3.2 Binocular viewing

The monocular observation of a limited frequency holographic image results in a limited
observation field of view. Now we turn our attention to the binocular observation. We derive
conditions for two observation cases: binocular observation, and binocular stereoscopic
observation. In binocular observation the views do not have to be conjugated. Images
observed by individual eyes can be different. For the binocular stereoscopic vision the
common image regions are viewed with both eyes.
In Fig. 9 we present WD chart analyzing binocular observation of a holographic image.
Two hatched areas present the views obtained for minimum binocular observation distance
zob:
zob (d o o ) B f 1 1 z.
(8)
It means that viewing distance zo has to be larger than zob. We assume that the holographic
reconstruction covers entire available field of view and individual eyes are seeing marginal
areas of reconstruction. Every eye sees opposite marginal area of a holographic image. For
smaller images observation distance zob will be larger.

Fig. 9. The WD representation of binocular visual perception of holographic image.

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27125

Let now consider the case when we want to observe the same area with both eyes, i.e.,
stereoscopic binocular observation. The case is presented in Fig. 9 by an inclined hatched line
(1zobs1). In this case projections at x axis of areas of WD of the seen image regions have
common parts. Each eye sees the same region, but different frequency information, thus
different perspective. For representation in Fig. 9 the observation distance has to exceed
minimum distance of stereoscopic observation:
zobs zdo Bx 1

where z ( Bx 2 xo ) 1 ,

(9)

xo is a transverse coordinate of observed point.

The condition is valid for holographic imaging area denoted in Fig. 4 as 'no aliasing'. For
other imaging regions we have to consider holographic image resolutions given by Eq. (5). In
Fig. 10 we relate the above discussion to our experimental display. In the figure the lines
limiting both binocular visions are plotted. We see that for larger distances of hologram
reconstruction the distance of binocular observation becomes close. For z 0.8 [m] it drops to
0.250 [m], which is the minimal viewing distance for humans. However stereoscopic limit is
rapidly growing with reconstruction distance, for reconstruction distance close to 1 [m] zobs it
exceeds 4 [m]. Visual perception from that distance is of no use for such a small image.

Fig. 10. Binocular observation limitation: zob and zobs as a function of observation distance.

From the above discussion we see that the binocular stereoscopic vision limit is the most
critical feature of SLM based holographic display. The distance zobs can be minimized with
extension of Bx, i.e., in a display configuration with multiple SLMs arranged planarly side by
side. However validity condition (Eq. (4)) shows that minimum distance of holographic image
dmin(axial) increases linearly with extension of Bx. Therefore in this configuration we can view
more distant holographic images with improved binocular perception. Consider for example
on-axis binocular observation of hologram generated for dmin(axial). In this case the binocular
stereoscopic limit is independent of Bx, and equal to do1. For 8 [m] pixel pitch and
wavelength 533 [nm] the distance is equal to 976 [mm]. Therefore we have to decrease pixel
pitch as well, extending angular field of view. This can be obtained in a circular display
configuration.
To illustrate the above discussion the reconstructions of a synthetic hologram generated
from photo projection of the numerical model of statue using Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm
were performed in setup shown in Fig. 1. The hologram is reconstructed at distance z = 693
[mm] and it was viewed through asymmetric diffuser. The size of the image is: 31 x 41 [mm]
(width and height). To present the view of images as an eye perceives it, we have utilized
digital camera. The camera was placed in reconstruction system at eye position at observation
distance zo = 500 [mm]. Moreover the entrance pupil diameter of digital camera is set to 8.2
[mm]. This value is close to human observation condition in the dark room (eye aperture
diameter 8 [mm]). For the specified observation condition X-directional FOV is 11 [mm]. In
Fig. 11 the reconstruction views taken with digital camera are presented: (a) left, (b) central
and (c) right. The width of each captured image is 11 [mm], with three views we are able to
assemble entire image. Photos (a-c) were taken with digital camera at transverse positions:

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27126

xo = 19, 0, 19 [mm], respectively. For quality comparison we have captured the real image
directly with CCD matrix in the setup shown in Fig. 5. The image is presented in Fig. 12.
For the image presented in Fig. 11 we were unable to view it with two eyes. The image is
too small in X direction, it covers only a part of available imaging space at this distance.
Therefore we have generated a wide test hologram giving reconstructed image at the same
distance (z = 693 [mm]) of width 46.08 [mm]. Binocular observation was now possible. The
observer viewing the image saw two narrow images of width 11 [mm] and separated by 34.5
[mm]. The observer separation of eyes was 60 [mm]. This gives theoretical separation of the
seen pencil images 34.85 [mm], what agrees with experimental one.
In the central part of Figs. 11 and 12 there is a rectangle with an increased intensity. This
is the result of reflected and non diffracted beam illuminating SLM. Our SLM diffraction
efficiency is at the level of 80% of reflected beam.

Fig. 11. The views of holographic image captured with asymmetric diffuser and digital camera
(entrance pupil diameter 8.2 [mm]): (a) left perspective, (b) central perspective, (c) right
perspective (Media 1).

Fig. 12. Real image captured with CCD.

4. Imaging with SLM in Wigner Domain

In this Section we analyze the focusing ability of a spherical beam generated by SLM. We
shall prove that WD representation at the focus plane gives confinement of holographic image
resolution. We consider sampling of a spherical beam for two cases separately: z dmin and
z<dmin. In the first case (Sec. 4.1) there is no aliasing and line representing a sampled

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27127

spherical beam in WD is limited by lines x = Bx/2, in the second case (Sec. 4.2) by lines
f = Bf/2.
4.1. Derivation of transverse distribution at focus for distances z dmin
Let us consider ideally sampled version of a spherical beam
g ( ) exp{

i ( 0 )2

}comb( )( ),
z
Bx
Bx

(10)

where comb(...) is a train of Dirac delta function with interval . The function g(x) at focal
plane of spherical beam can be described in Wigner space as:
Wg ( x, f ) g ( x zf

x'
x'
, f )g * ( x zf , f ) exp{2 ifx '}dx ',
2
2

(11)

what introducing Eq. (10) and new variable f' = f - x/z - x'/2z gives
Wg ( x, f ') comb(

zf '

) (

zf '
Bx

)comb(

(f '

x'

))

(12)
2 ix '( x x0 )
x'
( (f '
))exp{}dx'.

z
z
Integration for x' and then f' gives us an intensity distribution at focal plane of the sampled
spherical beam:

| g ( x) |2 comb(

(x-x 0 )) sin c2 ( x (x-x 0 )),

z
z

(13)

where indicates convolution.

4.2. Derivation of transverse distribution at focus for distances z < dmin
The above discussion concerns the case of a frequency unlimited signal. We now analyze a
spherical beam limited in frequency only (unlimited spatially), therefore it is convenient to
represent the sampled point image in Fourier spectrum:
G( f ) exp{i zf 2 } comb( 1 f )( B f 1 f ).

(14)

For simplicity of presentation image of axial point is analyzed here. Since convolution with
comb gives train of function replicas, we analyze only a single replica:
G( f ) exp{i zf 2 }( B f 1 f ).

(15)

Effect of comb function is discussed above and it is identical for analyzed here case. The
function G(f) represented in WD at focal plane is therefore
WG ( x, f ) ( B f 1 ( f

f'
f'
)) ( B f 1 ( f )) exp(2 ixf ') df '.
2
2

(16)

what integrating results in

| g ( x) |2 sin c2 (B f x).

(17)

The effect of disregarding comb results in repetition of the above at spatial intervals /z.

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27128

5. Conclusions
The paper presents a new approach to the analysis of the Spatial Light Modulator based
holographic display. Two major aspects are covered: imaging and viewing. The analysis of
these aspects employs joint space-spatial frequency representation. Based on the WD analysis
we derive formula for spatial evolution of space bandwidth product (resolution and field of
view). The aliased imaging is studied as well. This provides valuable extension of the display
field of view. All of the results are proven experimentally.
The holographic image WD representation analysis is extended to cover effect of visual
perception. Angular resolution and field of view of human observation of reconstructed image
are theoretically examined. Both monocular and binocular perception are studied. With the
results we can predict how a human perceives holographically reconstructed scene. Moreover
presented analysis can be easily extended to study multi SLM holographic display
configurations. Given conclusions are accompanied with experimental results.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank OGX group http://ogx.mchtr.pw.edu.pl for the access to
digital model of the statue presented as holographic view in Figs. 11 and 12. The research
leading to described results has received funding from the EU 7th Framework Programme
FP7/2007-2013 under agreement 216105 ('Real 3D' Project), Ministry of Science and Higher
Education within the projects N505 359536 and, in part, the statutory founds.

#131838 - $15.00 USD

(C) 2010 OSA

Received 20 Jul 2010; revised 20 Oct 2010; accepted 1 Nov 2010; published 9 Dec 2010

20 December 2010 / Vol. 18, No. 26 / OPTICS EXPRESS 27129