Production of computer-generated holograms on recordable compact disk media using a compact disk writer

It is often necessary in optical experiments to produce computer-generated holograms (CGHs) of reasonable quality for the purpose of routing light. Such holograms are often created using a pressing process that is not normally done in-house and is very expensive for small runs. We present a novel technique for the production of such holograms using a standard compact disk (CD) writer, which is fast and very cost effective, along with an analysis of results obtained using this technique.