Iterative Design of Holographic Elements*

Abstract

Iterative synthesis is a powerful technique for designing certain types of diffractive holographic elements. The designs especially amenable to iterative methods are characterized by nonlinear partial constraints in two domains that are related through a transformation. This paper reviews three iterative design projects of this type. In the first example, holographic concepts are used to design a microwave mirror that modifies the phase of a reflected wavefront.1,2 Second, holographic correlation filters are designed that recognize a three-dimensional object viewed from any direction.3,4 Third, an iterative design for computer generated holograms makes optimum use of the recording device resolution.5,6