The role of beam polarization on the quality of digital holograms

Abstract

Holography is an imaging technique that has attracted much attention since its inception due to its potential of recording three-dimensional images. As a result, the technique has been applied in fields like interferometry. However, its recording relied on the use of non-polarized sensitive materials which have been limited to the isotropic materials. In this study, we report the role of beam polarization on quality of holograms in respect to important parameters such as; the distance of the Charge Coupled Device from the object and variation of polarization angle. By varying the distance of the camera from the object, a distance of 15cm was clearly noticed to have produced holograms with a more comprehensive set of light wave characteristics; intensity, phase, and polarization state. We have also managed to record and reconstruct holograms at different polarization angles with significant impact on holograms at 0?, 15?, 30? and 45? whose amplitude and phase information was extracted at an optimum distance of 15cm. By comparing the results from these angles, holograms at 45? were of high quality. This advancement not only enhances the visibility of objects that are otherwise obscured or low contrast but also broadens the application of holography beyond isotropic materials