Holography with an extended reference-beam source

Two methods for using an extended reference-beam source in the generation and the reconstruction of holograms are discussed: the Fresnel holography method and the method in which the extended source is Fourier-transformed in the hologram plane. Calculations are given of the reconstructed image field and of the associated noise field. Estimates are obtained of the influence of transverse and longitudinal displacements of the extended source and of the change in the wavelength of the reconstruction beam on the quality of the reconstructed image. The results are given of experiments involving the generation and the reconstruction of holograms with the aid of a diffuser in the reference beam.