Formation of a reference wave for transient holography

An analysis is made of diffraction-caused distortions of a special reference wave needed in continuous holographic recording of transient optical fields. It is shown that telescopic systems should be used in order to image the reference wave in the required region in space. Phase distortions appear unavoidably if nontelescopic systems are used. Features of the formation of a reference wave in a two-prism electrooptic cell are considered under quasistatic conditions. It is shown that in this case phase distortions may be compensated by a cylindrical lens.