Iterative approach for high-quality binary intensity hologram generation in augmented reality applications

TL;DR

This paper presents an iterative method for generating high-quality binary amplitude holograms suitable for augmented reality, improving contrast and efficiency over traditional binarization approaches.

Contribution

An iterative estimation approach that applies binarization at each step, enhancing hologram quality for binary spatial light modulators in AR applications.

Findings

Significant improvements in image contrast and light efficiency.

Enhanced reconstruction fidelity compared to traditional methods.

Comparable computational cost to existing approaches.

Abstract

Binary amplitude spatial light modulators, such as digital micromirror devices (DMDs), are increasingly relevant for computer generated holography due to their high refresh rates, low cost, and due to the emergence of subwavelength pixel architectures. However, the binary constraint limits the reconstruction quality, as conventional approaches rely on a binarization applied as a final step after hologram computation which leads to reduced efficiency and contrast. We introduce an iterative estimation approach for the generation of off axis binary amplitude holograms, in which the binarization constraint is applied at each iteration. We validate the approach through numerical simulations and experimental reconstruction using a DMD based optical setup. Quantitative and qualitative comparisons with random superposition and Gerchberg Saxton methods demonstrate significant improvements in image contrast, light efficiency, and reconstruction fidelity, with comparable computational cost. The proposed method provides a practical route toward high quality CGH using binary modulators and supports emerging applications requiring high speed and high resolution holographic projection.