Achromatic single-layer hologram

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel design for a single-layer, achromatic hologram capable of full-color, high-speed video display and secure optical storage by encoding RGB information within a single diffractive element.

Contribution

It presents a variable-scale diffraction model enabling simultaneous encoding of RGB channels in a single, achromatic, binary phase hologram, overcoming traditional monochromatic limitations.

Findings

Achieved full-color holographic video playback at 60 Hz.

Demonstrated fabrication of low-cost, twin-image-free, full-color binary DOEs.

Enabled applications in high-refresh-rate displays and optical security.

Abstract

Phase retrieval is a fundamental technique of advanced optical technologies, enabling precise control over wavefront properties. A persistent challenge in diffractive optical element (DOE) design is that a single hologram typically operates within a single wavelength or color channel, limiting it to monochromatic image generation. This limitation in channel capacity significantly restricts the applicability of DOE in optical applications. In this study, we propose a design strategy for full-color, single-layer hologram based on a variable-scale diffraction model. By imposing strict constraints in Fourier domain and reducing depth of focus (DOF), we achieve the simultaneous encryption and storage of red, green, and blue channel information within a single achromatic hologram. This strategy facilitates color separation in large-depth 3D holography and enables achromatic full-color image displays. We demonstrated full-color holographic video playback at a full refresh rate of 60 Hz, achieving a temporal resolution three times greater than that of existing methods. Furthermore, we successfully fabricated achromatic, twin-image-free, full-color binary pure-phase DOEs at low cost. This achromatic strategy addresses the demands across various fields in optics, including high-refresh-rate full-color displays, high-density optical information storage, advanced optical security, high-reusability holographic metasurface optical element, and high-performance achromatic metalenses.