Abstract:

In this contribution, a computer simulation environment to help teach and learn digital holography concepts and procedures is presented. The interactive simulation software, called “holographic interface”, represents an innovative computer assisted learning resource for the different contexts of classroom instruction or distance education. The software developed reproduces a virtual optical lab, in which the numerical recording and reconstruction of a binary hologram is performed. Several functions, with a number of user options available, have been implemented: it is possible to create, to add or subtract, to multiplex, or to manipulate holograms. The design of this educational simulation allows simultaneous visualization of the object image, the subsequent hologram and the reconstructed image at the image plane, with different magnifications.
The software provides insight on how a hologram works in essence, on the use of binary holograms and on other optics topics, such as Fourier optics.
We have applied this holography modeling environment to postgraduate classes and have retrieved a positive assessment in terms of students’ understanding and of the competences involved.

Keywords:

Holography, Computer generated hologram, Education, Interface.