Improving pixel differentiation in holographic images

TL;DR

This paper investigates pixel interference in computer generated holography, demonstrating how pixel separation affects image quality and proposing mitigation methods validated through experiments.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of pixel differentiation in holography, models interference effects, and proposes mitigation strategies validated experimentally.

Findings

Increasing pixel separation reduces interference and noise.

Model and experimental results show close agreement.

Pixel differentiation impacts holographic image quality.

Abstract

Computer generated holography (CGH) has seen a resurgence in recent years due, in part, to the rise of virtual and mixed reality systems. The majority of approaches for CGH are based on a sampled Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) and ignore the interstitial behaviour between sampling points in the replay field. In this paper we demonstrate that neighbouring replay field pixels can interfere significantly giving the visual impression of pixel movement and increased noise. We also demonstrate that increasing the separation between target pixels reduces the interference and improves pixel quality. This phenomena is demonstrated experimentally with close agreement between model and measured result. This work begins by introducing the concept of pixel differentiation before showing simulated models of pixel differentiation issues. Two mitigation approaches are introduced and an experimental system is then used to validate the simulation. Finally results are discussed and conclusions drawn.