Practical implementation of the phase-quantization technique in an iterative Fourier-transform algorithm

Implementation of the phase-quantization method in the design of computer-generated holograms (CGHs), especially binary CGHs, is a major influence on the diffraction efficiency of the CGHs. We describe the use of various quantization methods in the various steps of an iterative Fourier-transform algorithm and compare the root-mean-square (RMS) errors of the CGHs. As a result of the practical quantization technique, the most effective RMS value of a binary CGH should be decreased by at least 13% to retain maximum diffraction efficiency. (C) 2004 Optical Society of America.