Digital holography as part of diffractive optics

An essential aspect of digital diffractive optics is the inverse problem of how to proceed from the desired wavefield in space to the design of a diffractive element that is able to form this field. This subject is treated by considering various approximations that define digital holography as a subset of diffractive optics. Analysis and models of inverse wave propagation are presented for boundary conditions determined by the type of material, the fabrication technique and the application. Coding theory is a central topic in the examination of this situation. Coding methods and the prediction of the efficiency of the diffraction are discussed. Nonlinear methods are used to treat the optimization problems. It is shown how diffractive elements can be designed by applying iterative and non-iterative methods. Diffractive elements of different kinds are presented and illustrated. The model examined seems to be of value in treating various ingredients of digital diffractive optics.