The wavefront quality of reconstructions from thick holographic optical elements (HOEs) is examined both theoretically and experimentally. The goal of this thesis is to verify the equations of the third-order aberration of HOE\u27s by directly examining the reconstructed wavefront. In addition, possible limitations of holographic materials on HOE performance at low F-numbers and for various recording geometries are determined. The third objective is to test the wavelength shift aberration and to establish the extent to which misalignment can be used to compensate the aberration due to a shift in wavelength
