Coherence requirement in digital holography

In this paper the coherence requirement for different holographic setups (Fresnel hologram, Fourier hologram, and image-plane hologram) is compared. This analysis is based on the investigation of the recorded interference pattern from the superposition of reference wave and object wave in in-line and off-axis mode. The outcome of this investigation can support the choice of light source needed for certain digital holographic setups, as well as the selection of the best applicable setup to take advantage of new short coherence light sources. Moreover, as a byproduct of this investigation, the minimum required recording distance (focal length) to enable Nyquist sampling of the recorded hologram is obtained. (c) 2013 Optical Society of America