Computer-generated holography

Computer-generated holography (CGH) is a technique that uses computer algorithms to generate <a href="/facts/Hologram/4J1gW0M6">holograms</a>. It involves generating holographic <a href="/facts/Interference_(wave_propagation)/lI5f78I4">interference patterns</a>. A computer-generated hologram can be displayed on a dynamic holographic display, or it can be printed onto a mask or film using lithography. When a hologram is printed onto a mask or film, it is then illuminated by a coherent light source to display the holographic images.
The term "computer-generated holography" has become used to denote the whole process chain of synthetically preparing holographic light <a href="/facts/Wavefront/5XVoVtDQ">wavefronts</a> suitable for observation. If holographic data of existing objects is generated optically and recorded and processed digitally, and subsequently displayed, this is termed CGH as well.
Compared to classical holograms, computer-generated holograms have the advantage that the objects that one wants to show do not have to possess any physical reality, and can be completely synthetically generated.
Ultimately, computer-generated holography might expand upon all the roles of current computer-generated imagery. Holographic <a href="/facts/Computer/SQe1aK05">computer</a> displays might be used for a wide range of applications, for example <a href="/facts/Computer-aided_design/5gSXrmmN">computer-aided design</a> (CAD), gaming, and holographic video.

Computer-generated holography open-in-new

Computer-generated holography