Diffraction and Fourier Optics

Diffraction and Fourier optics are at the foundation of the theory of holographic image formation and therefore essential in the description of holographic processes and techniques. In this chapter, we review the scalar diffraction theory, which is used to describe the propagation of the optical field from an input plane to the output plane. The propagation of light through a lens is an essential part of any imaging system, and its mathematical description is relevant to holographic image formation as well.